Patients with missing teeth no longer need to rely on bridges and dentures to replace their teeth. It is difficult to enjoy life with an incomplete smile and many patients fear social situations and smiling around others because missing teeth affects their self-esteem. Any missing tooth can now be replaced seamlessly thanks to new advances in implant dentistry.
How Dental Implants Work
A dental implant is a titanium post that is surgically placed into the jawbone where it works like an artificial tooth root. A natural-looking replacement tooth, typically made from porcelain, is then attached to the dental implant post.
First, a titanium post is surgically implanted through the gums and into the jawbone. The jaw will integrate with the post over time through a biological process called osseointegration. The jawbone fuses to titanium because it is biocompatible with the body. Once the implant is stabile we will then place a custom made crown on an abutment attached to the implant.
What Types Of Prosthesis Are Available?
- A single crown is used to replace one missing tooth, each prosthetic tooth attaches to its own dental implant.
- A fixed bridge can replace two or more teeth and may require only two or three implants.
- Complete dental prosthesis (fixed bridge) replaces all the teeth in your upper or lower jaw. The number of implants varies depending upon which type of complete prosthesis, removable or fixed is recommended.
- Removable prosthesis or overdenture, attaches to a bar or ball in socket attachments, whereas a fixed prosthesis is permanent and removable only by the dentist.
Benefits Of Dental Implants
Replacing missing teeth is very important to your health. Losing one tooth heightens your risk for more tooth loss because neighboring teeth tend to shift into empty tooth sockets. Implants also prevent bone atrophy by preventing the jaw from resorbing the bone surrounding the implantation site.
To learn more about dental implants and your tooth replacement options, contact Prestige Oral Surgery at 732-297-7000.
