If you’re considering dental implants, then this guide will help you understand more about how dental implants work.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are artificial teeth made from titanium. These implants are integrated directly into your jaw to replace the missing tooth or teeth. When the implant is seated in the bone of the jaw, the bone will grow over time around the implant to firmly secure it alongside your other teeth.
To be suitable for dental implants, your health must be in good condition. You also need a fully developed jawbone and healthy gums to ensure that the implants can be correctly supported so that it can fuse with the surrounding tissue.
How do dental implants look?
While dentures are removable and replace multiple missing teeth, dental implants appear more natural. The implant itself is a small cylinder made of biocompatible titanium and shaped like a screw. This is the part that substitutes the root of the tooth. In most cases, the implant will be made from titanium which is a material that prevents harmful reactions when secured to the jawbone.
The titanium screw is hidden like the roots of your natural teeth so that the artificial tooth blends in for a subtle and natural finish.
What is the procedure for a dental implant?
Getting a dental implant happens in three phases over the course of several months. The initial phase involves placing the implant. This is a surgical process, where the implant is attached to your jaw which is covered with gum tissue. From here, the integration of the dental implant and the jawbone will take between 3-6 months.
The second phase comprises the attaching of the post. This means that a post is attached to the implant for the gum tissue to grow around. Sometimes the implant and post attachment happen at the same time. Either way, both implant and post ensure the security of the substitute tooth.
Finally, a customized crown will be attached to the implant post. These are either cemented crowns or screw-retained crowns, depending on what your dentist decides will work best for you.
Book an Appointment With Us Today
To find out whether you are eligible for a dental implant, book an appointment with DeSanti & Linden Dentistry today, a friendly NY dentist who will help you bring back that confident smile.