Dental implants are titanium rods that replace the roots of teeth which have been lost due to trauma, decay or gum disease. Tooth loss is extremely common. Yet, the space left by a lost tooth can leave other teeth susceptible to periodontal disease, tooth decay and other dental problems. They may even shift or tip into the space left behind. Replacing the missing tooth can lower the risk of these issues and restore the function and aesthetics of your smile.
A gum specialist or other dentist can use a dental implant to hold a dental crown, dental bridge or denture. Dental implants are usually a good tooth replacement option for those who enjoy good dental health and who have enough bone to support the dental implant. Various types of dental implants are used nowadays, such as subperiosteal and endosteal. Subperiosteal are placed on top of the jawbone while endosteal are placed directly in the bone where the root of the tooth had been. Each implant is capable of holding at least one tooth and can support dental bridges or dentures as well. The form of implant your dentist uses will depend on various factors related to your dental health and your personal needs.
One of the biggest benefits to dental implants is that they support the replacement tooth or teeth without risking the health of other teeth the way dental bridges can. Dental implants osseointegrate, meaning they literally fuse with your jawbone and prevent the loss of bone and gum tissue. The function and aesthetics of your smile can be enhanced since the dental implants look and feel just like your own natural teeth. They create a strong sturdy base for the replacement teeth and strengthen your jawbone as well.
Implants can replace one or more teeth. When they are placed properly and well maintained, they can last a lifetime. The best candidates for dental implants are healthy and free of gum disease. They have adequate jawbone tissue to support the implants. Although the dental implant procedure tends to have an extremely high success rate, certain factors can affect that success rate.
Individuals who have had radiation, especially in the head or neck region, may need to discuss their options for tooth replacement with their dentists. Individuals who have very few or no remaining teeth or those who have inadequate jawbone density may need other treatments to ensure the success of the dental implant treatment. If a patient has osteoporosis or has otherwise lost bone density in his or her jawbone, bone grafts may be needed before the implant treatment to ensure success. Certain health conditions can affect the success of dental implants, too. Cardiac conditions, high blood pressure and diabetes will all need to be well under control to ensure the surgical procedure succeeds.
At NOHO Dental Group, North Hollywood dental office, our North Hollywood dental implants specialist can help you better understand how dental implants work to replace lost teeth.