Dental Implants
If you have lost a tooth or you need to have one pulled, one of the options you have to replace it is a dental implant. A dental implant can be made of one of several materials, but they usually consist of titanium and a custom-made prosthetic tooth.
The dental implant process is a minor surgery, and it does have a moderate recovery time. That being said, an implant can help preserve the bone of the jaw and ensure you have the ability to chew, speak, and otherwise use your mouth as normally as possible.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial teeth that are made from materials that are biocompatible to the mouth. The most common materials used in these implants are zirconia and titanium, two metals that fuse well with bone in the body and rarely cause rejection.
There are three parts to a dental implant. The first is the implant post. This post is shaped like a
screw and is surgically inserted into the bone to mimic the functionality of a tooth’s root.
The second part is the abutment. This piece can best be described as a connector. It connects the post to the replacement tooth.
The replacement tooth, called a crown, is the visible part of the tooth. This will be custom-made for you to match the surrounding teeth.
Are There Different Kinds of Dental Implants?
Yes! There are different kinds of implants.
The most common type is an endosteal implant, which is placed into the jawbone.
The second type is called a subperiosteal implant. This implant goes above the jawbone but below the gums. It’s suitable for people who don’t have enough bone to support a complete implant.
Finally, there is a third option. Nicknamed the “mini implant,” this implant is less invasive and is generally used for stabilizing dentures within the mouth. They are often made with small titanium posts and still work like small tooth roots.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
It depends on how well you take care of them and your oral hygiene, but most people can expect their dental implants to last from 10 to 30 years. If you have underlying health problems like gum disease or osteoporosis, your dental implant could be affected. The implant’s quality will also influence how long it will last.
Generally speaking, the post tends to last well, and it is the crown that needs to be replaced. In that case, a new crown can be made to fit on the old titanium or zirconia hardware.
The Dental Implant Procedure
The dental implant procedure is a minor surgery, which is the first thing you should know as someone interested in replacing your tooth in this manner. It is invasive, and it comes with some of the fundamental risks of any surgery, such as pain or infection.
During the procedure, you will be numbed under local anesthesia. If you would like, you can
also have IV sedation. Usually, general anesthesia is not used, but it may be necessary for some patients.
After the anesthesia kicks in, the next step is to make a small cut into the gums. From there, the bone is exposed, and a drill is used to bore into the bone and screw in the implant.
After this, the area is stitched up and allowed to heal. The jawbone may take several months to heal completely.
The abutment is placed atop the implant. Then, the crown can be attached to the abutment.
You will receive a temporary denture at the time of the implant procedure, but it won’t be your final tooth. A permanent crown will be fabricated for you and designed to match the teeth in your mouth, ensuring you have a good bite and that it is as functional as possible.
Who Can Get Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a good option for many people who have lost a single tooth or multiple teeth. However, it’s vital that they have enough healthy bone for the implant to screw into the jawbone safely. If there is not enough bone, a minor surgery may be performed to transplant bone, or another option might be suggested.
Schedule Your Appointment With Center for Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry in Hamilton Township, NJ
At Center for Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry in Hamilton, NJ, we offer dental implants and are here to help talk you through the process and see if you’re a good candidate.
We know that deciding to go through with a dental implant is a big decision, and we want to be sure you have all the information you need to be well-informed and make an educated decision.
For more information on getting dental implants in Hamilton Township, NJ, call us today at 1-609-585-4545.
