A dental implant is a titanium screw surgically placed into the jawbone. Over time, the bone cells grow around it and attach to its surface, creating a sturdy foundation for an artificial tooth or bridge. Some dentists use implants to support replacement teeth like crowns, bridges, or dentures – while others can also use them for orthodontics. If you are considering implants, and are thinking are teeth implants worth it for you, then your dentist will first X-ray your jaw to find out how much healthy bone you have. If the results indicate that implants are possible for you, you’ll be given a local anesthetic, and then antibiotics may be prescribed for you before surgery. If you are considering this treatment, you may want to consult with a specialist in dental implants in Falls Church to find out if you are a candidate.
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Who Can Have Dental Implants?
Today, more and more people use Dental Implants San Tan Valley AZ to support missing teeth. This may be because people of all ages can have them – from teens looking for a way to prevent future problems to the elderly who simply want replacements for old, failing teeth. In general, however, typical implant candidates include:
- Those with healthy gums and enough bone to support implants.
- Those close to their ideal body weight. People who are overweight can still have implants, but they may need to take medication beforehand to prevent over-absorption of the anesthetic.
- People without cancer or who’ve been cancer-free for five years. Those with uncontrolled diabetes and other conditions should ask their dentist whether implant treatment is possible.
What Are the Different Types of Implants?
Today, the most common kind of implant is made from titanium. The textured outer surface helps bone cells attach to it, while its smooth inner surface allows other materials like screws and protheses to glide over it quickly. But implants come in several different types depending on what they are being used for.
For replacing partial or complete upper teeth, single-tooth implants are typically used. These resemble the cone-shaped post on a conventional metal crown, and they’re inserted just beneath the gums above the remaining teeth.
For replacing multiple lower teeth, most dentists use implant bridges. This treatment replaces all of a patient’s missing or failing lower front teeth in one procedure. The dentist drills a hole into the jawbone just above each tooth and then screws in a single implant that’s been shaped to fit under each new bridge. You may need more than one bridge for a complete replacement in some cases.
What Benefits do Implants Offer?
With implants, people who might otherwise not be candidates for dental replacement can have all of their teeth replaced at once. People are also happy to find that the process is very efficient – no need for separate procedures to remove healthy teeth or replace failing ones – and that they can start eating normally right away.
Implants can also help prevent jawbone loss. Without teeth, the surrounding bone is free to dissolve and disappear over time. This causes a person’s face to look older and sunken in – a common occurrence with people who have had all of their teeth removed for replacement by dentures or bridges.
In summary, if your dentist finds that your jaw is healthy and you have an adequate amount of bone to support a titanium screw, then you may be a good candidate for dental implants. They come with benefits such as a more efficient, convenient treatment process and the ability to replace multiple teeth with a single procedure.
