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What is a Dental Implant?
Whether you are missing one or more teeth as a result of periodontitis, tooth decay, or an injury, your dentist may be able to fill the gaps in your smile with a dental implant.
A dental implant is a small titanium screw that acts as an artificial tooth root. It is surgically placed into your jaw bone to support a tooth replacement, such as a crown, bridge or denture. Together, the implant and tooth replacement can look and function like a natural tooth.
By taking action to replace missing teeth, you'll help keep your remaining teeth in their proper positions and prevent potential jaw pain and tooth alignment issues in the future. Additionally, dental implants fill out your jawline and keep your facial muscles from sagging, helping you maintain your youthful appearance.
Replace Missing Teeth to Keep Your Jaw Healthy
Your teeth help keep your jaw bone healthy due to the continual pressure they produce when chewing and biting. If the jaw bone is not stimulated, it will begin to break down gradually. If your jaw bone deteriorates, you may need to have a bone graft placed prior to your dental implant procedure.
What Happens When You Get a Dental Implant
When you receive a dental implant as part of a restorative treatment plan, you need three separate components that work together to restore your smile. These components include a titanium screw, an abutment, and a crown or denture locater that attaches to the screw.
Your dentist will first place the titanium screw into the jaw bone. The screw will bond with the bone over time.
Next, your dentist will attach the abutment and crown or denture locater to the screw to create the appearance and function of a natural tooth.
Uses For Dental Implants
Replacing missing teeth can be key to preserving your long-term oral health. If you're missing one or more teeth, dental implants can be used to address a number of oral health issues, including:
- To restore aesthetics and facial tissues
- To prevent surrounding teeth from shifting
- To resolve jaw joint pain or bite issue
- To improve chewing, speech and digestion
- To support a dental crown, dental bridge or dentures
What is a Bone Graft?
A bone graft is a minor surgical procedure where your dentist adds bone tissue to your jaw bone to try and strengthen it, curb bone loss or prepare for another dental procedure, such as placing a dental implant.
Reasons for a Bone Graft
If you require a dental implant, but your jaw bone is too thin or too soft to support it, a bone graft may be recommended. After the bone graft procedure, there will generally be a waiting period of a few months until you can have your dental implant surgery.
For patients with severe gum disease that leads to bone loss, a bone graft may also be advised to help regenerate the bone and prevent teeth from loosening or falling out.
Bone grafting can encourage the natural growth of bone tissues. As the natural bone grows, it generally replaces the graft material completely, resulting in a fully integrated region of new bone.
