It used to be that people had removable dentures or false teeth to replace lost or missing teeth. Nowadays, there is another option that has become popular: dental implants. These are replacement teeth that are anchored to the jaw and fixed to the jawbone. The implants are typically made of titanium, which is a strong but lightweight material that can bond safely with human tissues.
Dental implants usually involve a 3-step process, and will take locals at least 2 to 3 trips to a dentist in Greenville, SC. It starts with the implantation of the titanium post into the gum through surgery. When the gums have healed and the post has successfully bonded with the jawbones, an abutment is connected to the implant, around which the gum will heal. The last step in the process is the manufacturing of the replacement crown, and attaching it to the abutment.
The bonding process between the titanium post and the jawbones is known as osseointegration. As the bone cells bond with the titanium, they lock it in place, making the attachment permanent. The osseointegrated implant then serves to support a prosthetic teeth replacement, which be a single tooth to a full rack of teeth. The replacement teeth are made to match the natural color of the enamel to give a completely natural appearance.
There are many advantages to dental implants, which is why it has become so popular. First of all, they are permanent and made to look like the natural teeth more than any other teeth replacement options. Dentures can slip and loosen, which wouldn’t be a problem with implants since they are fused to the bone. The implants essentially become a part of the mouth. What’s more, dental implants are highly durable and will last for many years, given the proper care.
Those who have lost teeth and want them replaced should consider dental implants from dentists in Greenville, SC like Dr. Brian Derrick of Falls Park Dentistry. For the process, the dentist may use local anesthesia, or a sedative, depending on the patient’s preference. In some cases, other surgical procedures may be required or done, such as bone grafting for patients with insufficient jawbones. In pre-surgery examinations, the dentist will also evaluate if bone grafting is necessary.
Dental implants have a very high success rate of more than 90%. Patients who want a permanent and aesthetically pleasing solution to missing teeth should visit a reputable dentist to learn more about the procedure.
(Source: Dental implants a popular option to replace damaged or missing teeth, Consumer Affairs, February 26, 2015)