Dental implants are small titanium posts that replace the roots of missing teeth, acting as anchors for artificial teeth. They are permanent and incredibly durable, lasting a lifetime with the proper care. When placed, the jawbone fuses with the implant post surface in osseointegration. The result is a stable tooth that looks and feels completely natural. At Eric A Lim DDS, placing dental implants takes multiple steps over several months. First, the dental implant will be surgically placed into the jaw bone. Over the next three to six months, the implant will fuse to the bone through osseointegration. Once the implant has connected to the bone, the dentist will attach an abutment. The abutment is a connector piece between the implant and the final restoration that will be placed on the implant. The final restoration is the crown that makes up the new tooth. The dentist will place the final crown on the abutment in the last step of the process. However, the benefits of implants make them well worth the wait. Once placed, implants are a permanent foundation for any prosthetic teeth.
Types of Dental Implants
Endosteal Implants
These are the most common types of the dental implant. The implant is embedded into the jawbone so a metal post can be attached. An abutment is placed on the metal post to connect the implant restoration. This type of implant is often used for single-tooth replacement.
Subperiosteal Implants
In contrast, a subperiosteal implant is not embedded in the jawbone but held in place with screws on the jawbone instead. These implants are often used for patients with insufficient bone in their jaw to support an endosteal implant.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants can restore the natural look of your smile by filling in any gaps in your teeth and replacing your entire tooth structure. They will not decay and are immune to gum disease or bone loss. Because the dental implant acts as an anchor for the replacement teeth, patients can chew and speak normally without worrying about moving prosthetics. Caring for dental implants is relatively simple and requires regular brushing and flossing as well as routine check-ups and cleanings. They are a permanent solution and can only be removed when the implant fails to fuse with the jawbone or needs to be extracted for other reasons. This makes them a popular option for those tired of living with missing teeth and who want a long-term fix for their smile.
If you are interested in learning more about implant restorations and how they can help improve your oral health, visit Eric A Lim DDS at 1624 Franklin St #300, Oakland 94612, or call (510) 893-2525.
