Dental implants are more than a way to replace missing teeth. These restorations also help keep your bone healthy and prevent the breakdown of bone tissues that typically occurs when a tooth is lost. Dental implants are artificial teeth roots inserted directly into the patient's jaw. The implant fuses with the bone tissues, keeping it in place via a process called osseointegration. A restoration like a crown or bridge can then be attached to the implant to replace the patient's lost teeth.
The breakdown of jawbone tissue that goes on when a person loses a tooth is known as jawbone atrophy. When a tooth is healthy, its roots keep their jawbone tissue stimulated by transferring forces put on the tooth to the jawbone.
When a tooth falls out, the jaw stops getting this stimulation. The result of that is bone tissues breaking down. This can lead to changes to the person's appearance as their face appears sunken and wrinkled. Jawbone atrophy also increases the risk of a person's losing more of their teeth.
A person with missing teeth will have to deal with jawbone atrophy even if they have their lost teeth replaced with bridges or dentures. These oral prosthetics are designed to restore the function and appearance of lost teeth. They do not replace the missing roots that come out with teeth, so the person's jawbone will continue to deteriorate.
Implants prevent this breakdown from occurring because they serve as replacements for lost teeth. The implant becomes one with the patient's jawbone once osseointegration is complete, and that allows it to keep the jaw stimulated the same way a real root would. This is a major benefit that separates dental implants from other ways to replace missing teeth.
The placement of dental implants requires minor oral surgery. Ideal candidates for the procedure are those who are healthy enough to recover. Health conditions like immune system disorders can hinder how well a person heals.
Ideal candidates for implants should also have enough healthy bone tissues to hold these restorations in place. Those who lack the jawbone thickness needed to keep implants in place might need to get bone grafts. They will also need to have recovered from the graft to proceed with the installation of implants. That can take up to three months.
Implants are typically installed in stages. The first stage involves the dentist making an incision into the patient's gums so the jawbone can be reached. A hole is drilled into the bone tissue and an implant is shoved into the hole until it is held in place by friction forces between the implant and bone tissues around it. The implant is then allowed up to six months to fuse with bone tissues.
The second stage of the installation begins when osseointegration is complete. The dentist might make another incision into the gums to reach the implant. An abutment is attached to its external-facing end and a crown or other restoration is placed on the abutment.
Stop by or Honolulu clinic or give us a call if you are looking to replace missing teeth. Our dentist will educate you about your best options.
Request an appointment here: https://www.diamondheaddentalcare.com or call Diamond Head Dental Care at (808) 450-2101 for an appointment in our Honolulu office.
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