With the buzz about implants, it can be hard to figure out what they are exactly, or what they can be used for. Dental implants are used as part of either a permanent or removable fixture in the mouth. The actual implant itself is the base of the fixture. It is made from titanium and is implanted into the bony structure of the jaw, or skull. The implant needs to bond with the bone in a process called osseointergarion. This means that the bone will regrow into or flush against the metal and form a secure platform for the implant to be used. The key factor in success is that no other tissue, such as soft fleshy tissue, regrows between the implant and the bone. It may take a few months to heal, but once it has been determined that the implant has successfully been integrated into the bony structure, the next phase can begin.
Using Dental Implants to Replace Single Teeth
A crown is a singular artificial tooth that is made to resemble a missing tooth. When a crown is retained using an implant, a lot of care has to be taken to ensure that the crown is fixed in at the right angle and depth so that it lines up with the rest of your teeth. This is done to ensure it can withstand that appropriate amount of pressure that is exerted while eating. While they take a bit more work, implanted crowns are easier to maintain and replace if needed. Traditionally cemented crowns that relied on surrounding teeth for support could be difficult to replace, and sometimes even damaging to the other teeth.
Using Dental Implants for Multiple Teeth
In addition to being the ideal way to replace a single missing tooth, dental implants are also becoming the best way to handle multiple or total tooth replacement. It is possible to use complicated bridges for a series of teeth, such as three missing in a row, and still only require the use of two implanted posts to secure them. When it comes to total tooth replacement using dental implants, Lakeview dentists can create permanently fixed replacements, similar to the multiple tooth fixtures, or they can use the implants as a base for removable denture plates. Unlike traditional dentures, plates that secure to implants are known for their stability and comfort.
To find out more about where you can get dental implants in the Lakeview area, contact Lincoln Park General and Cosmetic Dentistry.
