Dental Implant: What Is It?

There are several solutions to replace one or more missing teeth. One is to use dental implants instead of bridges or partial or full dentures. Comfortable and natural-looking, implants are used to replace missing roots and to maintain artificial replacement teeth.

 A dental implant is an artificial root made of metal (titanium) which is inserted into the jaw to replace the root of a natural tooth. An artificial replacement tooth is then attached to the implant, which serves as a pillar to hold the tooth in place.

Why Have a Dental Implant?

 Replacing your teeth is not only an aesthetic act. A missing tooth also very often leads to difficulties in chewing, a displacement of the adjacent teeth which tend to shed or to be raised. This results in an increased risk of cavities and a loss of the natural meshing of the teeth.

A dental implant is therefore necessary when one or more teeth are missing in the dentition. In cases where dental prosthesis (artificially made devices such as crowns, bridges, etc. that resemble the natural teeth used to replace damaged or missing teeth) cannot be placed, a dental implant might also be necessary. It brings more comfort to chewing and minimizes the pressure on the gum.

Who Can Receive a Dental Implant?

If you are in good health, your gums are healthy, and the bone base of your jaw is sufficient to support an implant, dental implants may be indicated. A dental bone graft can also be done to increase the bone mass of your jaw if it has decreased or not developed normally.

A dental bone graft is a surgical operation whereby the jaw bone is given a shape, a width and a height sufficient to place dental implants. This is done since the absence of a tooth can lead to resorption of the jaw bone, that is the bone loses its stimulus in the area where the tooth is missing, and the body starts giving signals to break down the jaw bone. In some cases, however, there are alternative solutions to bone grafting.

Your dentist or dental specialist will tell you if bone grafting can be performed in your case.

All dentists can place implants, but it is better to see a specialist in dental implants to avoid unpleasant surprises. You can visit Prosthodontics Dental Centre to find out if you are a good candidate for the procedure!

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