If you are missing one or more of your teeth, dental implants are a permanent solution that offers the look, feel and function of natural teeth. A tooth replacement procedure, implants involve placing a titanium metal post in the jaw bone where your missing tooth root was. The implant bonds with your jawbone, creating a sturdy base to support an artificial tooth or teeth (crowns).
Because an implant replaces both the tooth and root, it can stimulate bone growth in the area of the empty space, helping preserve the shape of your face and jaw. This is especially important in areas where the bone tends to resorb or melt away with time. Implants also allow you to chew more easily and speak clearly, without the slipping or clicking of dentures.
A gap from a lost tooth can cause neighbouring teeth jacksonville fl dental implants to shift crookedly towards the gap, affecting your ability to chew and making it more difficult to restore the area later. This can lead to interference that makes it difficult to use the teeth that remain, and may even cause pain or damage to your TMJ. A gap can also lead to the collapse of the gum line, exposing the roots of your healthy teeth.
Dental implants can solve all of these problems, restoring your smile and allowing you to enjoy the foods you love. They are also a more permanent option than dentures, which can slip or fall out of place and require messy adhesives to stay in place. Dental implants also prevent the bone loss that can occur when a tooth is removed and not replaced.
When properly cared for, implants can last a lifetime. Your oral surgeon and dentist will provide you with instructions for proper hygiene and maintenance, and recommend a regimen of routine visits to ensure that your implants continue to thrive. Dental implants that are properly planned and cared for have a success rate comparable to or better than other teeth replacement options. Implant failure can occur if an individual is unhealthy or engages in behaviors that are contrary to good dental health such as smoking or drug abuse.
There are three main types of dental implants. Traditional dental implants are the most common, and consist of a titanium post surgically placed in the bone, where a crown will be attached to recreate the appearance of a natural tooth. Implants can also be positioned under the gum, a procedure called subperiosteal implants. These are used for patients who don’t have enough jawbone to support a normal dental implant, or who do not want to undergo the more intensive oral surgery that is required for bone grafting.