Tooth Loss and Dental Implants
Several common dental problems can affect your smile, including aesthetic issues such as tooth decay and missing teeth. Other serious problems, including gingivitis and root infections, can lead to tooth loss.
Dental implants at Restoration Dental can permanently replace missing teeth thanks to modern dental innovations and techniques. Let’s discuss the types of dental implants and standard practices.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots surgically inserted into the gums and jaw bone. The artificial tooth roots are metal screw-like posts used to hold a prosthetic or restorative tooth in place. Dental implants are permanent and allow the jaw to grow onto and fuse to them. They’re made to look and function like natural teeth and can be an excellent alternative to dentures or bridgework.
What Are the Types of Dental Implants?
Your dentist at Restoration Dental will consider your current state of health and, depending on the result, discuss the best option for you. The two most common and safest implants in St. Louis are:
Endosteal Implants
The implants are surgically placed directly into the jawbone. Once the gum tissue is fully healed, the second surgery connects a post to the original implant. An artificial tooth is then attached to the post individually or grouped on a bridge or denture.
Subperiosteal Implants
Instead of surgically implanting metal screw-like posts, subperiosteal implants use a metal frame fitted onto the jawbone just below the gum tissue. The metal frame consists of a series of posts used to support the dental prosthetic, such as a crown, bridge, or denture.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
Dental implants can avoid difficulties caused by missing teeth, such as eating, speaking, and maintaining your facial shape. Other benefits include:
- Enhances your appearance. Dental implants have the same characteristics as natural teeth and look and function accordingly.
- Boosts self-esteem. Dental implants can help you feel better about your smile.
- Improves comfort and convenience. Dental implants are permanent, allowing you to eat normally and without pain.
What Is the Procedure for a Dental Implant?
A dental implant procedure includes multiple appointments and happens over a few months. A dental implant primarily consists of three phases: fixture, abutment, and replacement.
The first phase is the surgical placement of the implant or fixture. You will receive local anesthesia in this phase, so you don’t feel any pain or discomfort. Our dentist makes an incision in your gums and places the root implant into the jawbone in the location of your missing tooth.
The second procedure follows a few months later, once the bone has grown around the implant. A connecting piece called an abutment is inserted into the fixture.
Depending on how quickly your gums heal, which can take up to six months, the third phase is surgically placing the custom replacement teeth or crowns and attaching them to the abutment.
What Are the Costs of Dental Implants?
Dental implant cost is higher than other restorative options; however, the benefits exceed the difference in the long run.
Dental implants continue to be one of the safest permanent solutions in St. Louis to replace missing teeth. They also help keep the rest of your teeth intact and your smile bright! If you would like to learn more about dental implants, contact us today.
