For millions of Americans who have suffered tooth loss primarily because of periodontal disease, decay, or injury, dental implants are an effective alternative to bridgework or dentures, which often don’t fit well. With tooth loss, people can experience challenges such as rapid bone loss, defective speech, or changes to chewing patterns that result in discomfort.
Using a dental implant can significantly improve one’s quality of life and overall health.
While a dental implant is an artificial tooth root placed into one’s jaw to hold a prosthetic tooth or bridge, when most people refer to dental implants, they are often talking about the entire system, which is the combination of the artificial tooth root and the prosthetic tooth.
While this process requires the bone to heal tightly around the implant and may take several months, the biggest benefit of dental implants is that they create solid support for new teeth. Patients can also enjoy these additional benefits:
- Improve / restores the ability to chew
- Enhance cosmetic appearance
- Helps keep the jawbone from shrinking due to bone loss
- Preserves the health of the surrounding bone and gums
- Helps keep adjacent (nearby) teeth stable
- Boost your overall quality of life and confidence
- Implants can last a lifetime
- Allows for an active lifestyle
- Have up to a 98% success rate
What does dental implant surgery entail?
When a tooth root is damaged beyond repair, dental implant surgery uses metal, screwlike posts placed in the jawbone where they act as the roots for missing teeth. Implants are made of titanium, which eventually fuses with the jawbone, meaning they won’t slip, make noise, or cause potential bone damage like bridgework or dentures. Additionally, the materials used in dental implants are so strong they can’t decay.
Dental implant surgery may also involve multiple procedures and varies per patient depending on the implant type and jawbone condition. This approach also offers an alternative when a lack of natural teeth roots won’t accommodate denture or bridgework tooth replacements.
A typical dental implant system consists of a:
- Implant body: Surgically inserted in the jawbone in place of the tooth’s root
- Abutment fixation screw: Attached to the implant body and extends through gums into the mouth to support the attached artificial teeth
- Crown: Artificial tooth
Is dental implant surgery right for you?
Dental implants are highly effective and can significantly improve one’s quality of life and overall health. Dental implants may be appropriate for you if…
- You’re missing one or more teeth
- Your jawbone has reached full growth
- Your have adequate bone to secure the implants or can have a bone graft
- Your oral tissues are healthy
- You’re in good general or oral health
- You’d prefer not to or can’t wear dentures
- Your speech is compromised by dentures or bridgework
- You’re able to commit to the process, which may take several months
- You are a non-smoker of tobacco
Count on Wilton Smiles for your dental implant needs
Whether you’re looking to get a single-tooth dental implant or have multiple teeth that need replacing, we’ll provide you with thorough information for the best possible treatment plan.
We’ll discuss your health history, lifestyle, and situation to determine if you’re suited for dental implants.
Here at Wilton Smiles, we pride ourselves on providing our patients with the highest level of expertise and service when it comes to implant surgery, as well as a wide range of dental services.
If you’re curious about dental implants as a means of improving your oral and overall health, let’s talk! Contact us at (860) 397-6693 or click here to schedule a virtual appointment.
Sources:
American Academy of PeriodontologyMayo Clinic
US Food & Drug Administration
