What are Dental Implants?
When you lose one or more teeth, you have several options for replacing them, such as a dental bridge, a partial, or a full denture, depending on the extent of your tooth loss. What all replacement teeth have in common, however, is that they’re more stable and they function better when they’re supported by one or more dental implants.
The small, root-like posts are surgically inserted into the jawbone and act as natural roots to support an appropriate dental prosthetic. At Songbird Dental, we can place your implant posts in office, so you won’t have to visit multiple locations throughout the implant process.
What is a dental implant made of?
Dental implants are comprised of biocompatible titanium, which enables a process called osseointegration. As the jawbone heals, it fuses to the titanium implant, grasping the device firmly as though it were a natural tooth root.
What are the benefits of dental implants?
When you bite and chew, your roots stimulate the flow of a healthy supply of nutrients to the jaw so it can sustain itself and the teeth that it holds. When you lose a tooth, there are no longer roots to provide this stimulation, and the jawbone can deteriorate from nutrient deficiency. By restoring the stimulation, dental implants help preserve the health of your jawbone and reduce the risk of further tooth loss.
Am I a candidate for dental implants?
If you’ve recently suffered tooth loss, or if you’d like to stabilize your current dental prosthetic with implants, then you may be a good candidate. Before the implant posts are placed, however, Dr. Petto Messina will ensure that you are not suffering from tooth decay or gum disease, and will prescribe an appropriate treatment plan if an issue is present.
Also, your jawbone must be dense enough to fuse to and support the implants. If you’ve lost jawbone structure due to tooth loss, or for any other reason, then a jawbone graft may be necessary to refortify it.