Spring Hill dental patients can enjoy a range of different benefits from dental implants, which offer a permanent and more natural option for tooth loss. Dental implants can be suitable for replacing a single tooth or an entire mouth’s worth of teeth. In fact, these implants have the best success rate amongst all surgical implant types.
The Basics of Dental Implants
Spring Hill dentists typically place implants under local anesthesia, although some cases may require general anesthesia. Conscious sedation is a good option for many patients too.
Dental implants are made of titanium, which is lightweight and well-tolerated. Cases of rejection or adverse reactions are quite rare.
The dental implant has two basic portions: a titanium root-like anchor that’s implanted into the jaw and a realistic-looking crown, which simulates the portion of your tooth that sits above the gum line. If you’ve just had teeth extracted, it’s common for the patient to wait a number of weeks for bone to grow into the empty socket so the implant will have more material to fuse with. A bone graft, comprised of small bits of bone, may also be used to promote faster healing.
Once the implant is placed, it takes several weeks for it to fully fuse with the jaw bone. In some cases, the anchor may be placed before the tooth crown is added.
The Types of Dental Implants
Spring Hill patients can opt for a number of different implant types. Some dental implants are used to replace a single tooth. Others may be used to replace multiple teeth. This is common in the case of dentures and bridgework, where a dental implant may be put into place to serve as an anchor point for dentures or bridgework. This can eliminate the need for denture adhesive, resulting in more stable, natural-working dentition.
Another type of dental implant is called an “all-on-4” implant, which is used to replace an entire jaw’s worth of teeth. These implants are a great option for individuals who have lost all or most or their teeth.
This type of dental implant uses four anchors that are placed into the jaw. A small nub protrudes above the gum line, serving as an anchor point for a full denture.
Dental implants are a great option for many patients. The healing time is generally just a matter of days, although it can take several weeks or longer for the implant to fully fuse with the bone.
Dental implants result in a more natural, permanent tooth replacement option. They also help you maintain a more natural facial and jaw shape.
*Disclaimer: The views expressed here are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of Anchor Dental Care*