What Are Dental Implants?

Did you know that more than 120 million people in the United States are missing one or more teeth? Tooth loss can be detrimental to your dental health. Without all of your teeth, your jawbone could become weak and your gum line and other teeth could become more vulnerable. 

Fortunately, dental implants from your dentist in Marion, Ohio, can help you with this problem. Dental implants are not only able to restore your dental function but they also look just like real teeth. But what are dental implants exactly and what should you expect from the dental implant procedure?

Keep reading and learn more about dental implants and why they're so important for your oral health. 

What Are Dental Implants Exactly?

Dental implants are essentially replacement teeth. They consist of a metal post, an abutment or connector, and a crown which is the part that looks like a real tooth. The metal post is usually made of titanium because these metals will not irritate the mouth. 

This titanium post is perhaps the most important part of the dental implant because it functions as the root or anchor of the implant. It takes the place of your real dental roots. If you have lost a tooth but the roots still remain, your dentist will need to remove those roots to make place for the dental implant. 

The dental post needs to be surgically placed into your jawbone. Doing this makes the implant very sturdy. The abutment is a small connecting device that functions to connect the post to the dental crown. 

Getting the dental crown is the last part of the dental implant procedure. Dental crowns are very realistic in appearance and are typically made of porcelain. Porcelain is a very sturdy material and it is very unlikely that it will ever crack or chip, especially if you take good care of your oral health. 

The Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants can benefit your oral health in several ways. For one, missing teeth can make it difficult to chew food or pronounce certain words. Missing teeth can also be detrimental to your self-esteem. 

Missing teeth are almost impossible to hide and they are often the first thing that people notice when you smile. Getting dental implants is ideal for restoring your confidence in your smile. Besides that, it will be much easier to eat food again, even tough food like steak. 

Dental implants are usually best for those who only need to replace one or two teeth. For those missing multiple teeth, a bridge or dentures may be a better option. You can also combine dental implants with bridges and dentures to make them more stable.

What You Need to Know About the Dental Implant Procedure

The process of getting dental implants is famous for taking a very long time. First, you will need to consult with your dentist to make sure that you are a good candidate for dental implants. The key is to have a strong jawbone to act as the foundation for the implants. 

If your bone is too thin or weak, you may need to get a bone graft first. This will take a few months to heal but it is not necessary for everyone. 

When it's time to get the dental implant, the first step will be to surgically place the titanium post into your jawbone. After the post sits in your jaw for several months, the bone will start to grow around the post. This will essentially cement the post in place and make it impossible to move. 

It will also be very sturdy as a result. After you have healed from this first procedure, you will then need to make another appointment to get an abutment. After that, you will need a third and final procedure to get your dental crown. 

The Details

Getting the dental crown is quite a simple and fast procedure compared to the other appointments because no surgery is involved. Instead, your dentist will simply attach the crown to the abutment. After the procedure, you can admire the results right away. 

You will find that the dental implant will fill in the gap in your smile and make your smile look whole again. You will also find that the implant will look exactly like your other teeth. Most people won't even be able to tell that you have a dental implant at all. 

From start to finish, the process of getting a dental implant usually takes several months. Before you get your permanent crown, your dentist will likely give you a temporary crown to wear. This will improve your smile and protect the post or abutment while you wait for your real crown. 

All About Dental Implants

Dental implants are very beneficial for those who are missing one or a few teeth. Dental implants are very realistic and they can do wonders for restoring dental function. Dental implants are surgically placed into your jawbone and then followed by an abutment and a dental crown. 

The entire process takes several months to complete due to the healing time involved. However, most who get dental implants are very satisfied with the results. To learn more, contact us here. 

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