How Do Dental Implants Work?

Dental implants are excellent replacements for missing or damaged teeth. Since they bond with the jaw, they feel exactly like natural teeth.

About Dental Implants

Single-tooth dental implants have three parts: the titanium anchor, a stainless steel abutment or cap, and a lifelike dental crown.

The biocompatible titanium anchor functionally replaces the tooth's root. It screws into the jawbone and bonds with it in a process called osseointegration. The anchor helps stimulate the jawbone, preserving it from losses in areas where teeth are missing.

The abutment is a cap covering the implant to protect it during healing. Later, the dental crown goes on top of the abutment to complete the tooth restoration.

The Dental Implant Process

The first step is a thorough evaluation and consultation with your dentist. The dentist will explain the implant process and let you know if you need additional procedures like bone grafts before going ahead with the implants.

Next, the dentist must extract the tooth. If the tooth has been missing for some time, a bone graft will probably be necessary before you place the implant. A bone graft introduces material that helps the jawbone regenerate itself. It is a simple surgical procedure that takes a few months to heal enough to place an implant.

The tooth extraction site or bone graft may take some time to heal. When the site is ready, the dentist opens the gumline and screws the titanium anchor into the jaw. After placing the anchor, the dentist adds the abutment. They close the gum over the abutment and anchor to allow time to heal.

When the implant post has healed, it is time to place the dental crown and complete the installation.

Advantages of Dental Implants

Easy Care

Single-tooth dental implants are no more difficult to care for than healthy natural teeth. Brushing, flossing, and making all planned dental visits are enough to keep them beautiful.

Eat Freely

With dental implants, you won't have the dietary restrictions you might encounter with bridges or dentures. You can eat hard, crunchy, and sticky foods like apples, popcorn, and candy without worrying they will damage your implants. Unlike dentures, your implants won't shift when you eat, and you won't get food caught underneath them.

No Damage to Surrounding Teeth

Restorations like bridges and partial dentures may damage the natural teeth beside them, leading to more expensive dental work in the future. Dental implants do not interfere with the surrounding teeth.

Smile Again

People with missing or damaged teeth grow accustomed to hiding their smiles. With dental implants, you will finally feel free to smile as you once did.

Call Fairbanks Dental Associates

If you want to learn more about dental implants, call our Temple, TX office at 254-778-4402. We can set up a consultation appointment where you can learn about your options. You will soon enjoy a beautiful smile.