Brooksville dental patients may opt for dental implants in a range of different scenarios, ranging from tooth loss from an injury, decay or disease. Implants offer a more permanent and natural-looking option for patients, but how do they work? And which type of implant is best?
The Workings of Dental Implants
Brooksville residents of all ages may benefit from dental implants, which are used to replace a lost tooth or multiple teeth. Dental implants have a fairly simple structure that’s similar to the structure of your natural tooth. There’s a titanium root-like anchor, which is placed in the jaw bone.
In addition to the titanium “root,” there’s also a crown, which mimics the appearance and function of your natural tooth.
Dental implants are the most popular and the most successful of all surgical implants. There is no need for any type of anti-rejection drug because titanium is considered “biocompatible,” so instances of an adverse reaction are very rare.
A dental implant can be placed in about one hour, although if multiple implants are being inserted, the procedure may be longer. It’s usually performed under conscious sedation or local anesthesia, although some more comprehensive procedures may necessitate general anesthesia.
When getting dental implants, Brooksville dentists will place the anchor into the jaw bone, where it will take several weeks to fully fuse with the bone. Small bits of bone may be placed around the titanium anchor to help promote faster fusion with the bone. If a tooth was recently extracted, you may need to wait to get your implants until bone starts to fill the empty socket; this gives the implant something “grasp” and fuse with.
Are There Different Varieties of Dental Implants?
Brooksville dental implant patients can choose from several different types of implants. It’s possible to replace a single tooth or an entire mouth’s worth of teeth.
A dental implant provides a natural, easy-to-maintain alternative to dentures or bridges. Implants may also be placed to serve as an anchor point for dentures or bridges. This can eliminate the need for denture paste, resulting in a more stable denture. Tooth loss can also change the shape of an individual’s face and jaw; restoring those teeth with implants can help normalize your appearance.
Dental implants can also take the form of anchors or “ports,” which are used to support a full denture. Called “all-on-4” dental implants, a total of four “anchors” are implanted into the jaw. Once they heal and fuse with the jaw, a denture can be affixed to the protruding nubs. This offers a permanent and natural looking alternative to traditional dentures.
*Disclaimer: The views expressed here are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of Anchor Dental Care*