Dental Implants
An Overview
Dental implants are metallic frames or posts that are surgically placed or positioned beneath your gums, in the jawbone. Once dental implants are placed, they can be used to mount artificial teeth onto them.
As dental implants fuse with your jawbone, they tend to provide a stable support and strong foundation for your replacement teeth. Dental implants can be used to mount individual crowns or it could be used to mount bridges or dentures.
Bridges and dentures mounted on the implants do not slip or shift in your mouth, which is a useful benefit when speaking or eating.
Types of Dental Implants
As per ADA (
American Dental Association), two types of implants are considered safe.
Endosteal Implants
These implants are implants directly into the jawbone through surgical procedures. The procedure consists of three steps:
- Initially a surgery is performed to fit the implant into the jawbone.
- When the gums have healed from the first surgery, a second one is performed to connect a metal post to the original implant.
- And eventually, the artificial tooth or crown is attached to the post.
Subperiosteal Implants
In this procedure, a metal frame is fitted or placed on the jawbone, just below the gum tissue. As gums heal, the metal frame gets fixed or fused to the jawbone.
Posts attached to the frame protrude through the gums, and the artificial teeth are then attached to this post.
Dental implants need significant care and one must commit to keeping these implants healthy. Regular dental visits and meticulous hygiene are important for long-term success.
Implants are typically more expensive as compared to other alternatives of tooth replacement. Most of the insurance companies only cover a fraction of the fee of dental implants, typically less than 10%.
Why do I need Dental Implants?
The benefits of dental implants are both functional and cosmetic. Implants are a great way to create a whole new smile.
It renews your appearance through bone level stabilization. They can reduce the strain placed on other teeth by creating an individual support structure for crowns, bridges and dentures. With dental implants, you can restore the ability to eat all kinds of food.
Unlike removable bridges or dentures, which are unstable and inconvenient, these prosthetic replacements look and function like natural teeth.
Last but not the least, dental implants are cost-effective as they are permanent and do not require frequent replacement.
What is involved in a Dental Implant Procedure?
There are generally three phases involved in getting an implant placed on your jaw line.
During the first step, your dentist will place the implant into the jawbone. As the bone around the implant heals or fuses (
the process is called osseointegration), it grows around the implant and holds it in place. This may take weeks or even months, before the replacement teeth can be attached to the implant.
During the second stage of surgery, your dentist will attach an abutment to the implant. Once the artificial tooth is made, it is attached to the abutment.
Beautiful, long lasting and strong teeth make life more enjoyable. With dental implants, you can eat and smile with confidence. It enhances your self-confidence and the overall quality of life.
If you live in Northridge or anywhere in The San Fernando valley, come see us for a
dental implants consultation.
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