Basics about dental implants
There are three main ways to replace missing teeth in your mouth. They are implants, dental bridges, and dentures. They all have their pros and their cons, but as far as longevity and bone preservation are concerned, dental implants are the best option. Teeth may become missing due to decay, disease or damage from an accident, making it difficult for you to eat or even go out in public. Dental implants replace missing teeth, restoring your natural appearance and allow you to function normally again.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are prosthetic (“false”) teeth that are placed in the space(s) where there are missing teeth. Generally, a dental implant consists of 3 components.
- Implant screw
- Implant crown
- Implant abutment
The bottom consists of a screw that is anchored into your jawbone and then topped with a crown (aka “cap”) that resembles a natural tooth. The abutment portion of the implant is the part that connects the crown to the implant. Implant crowns can be made from a variety of materials, including metal, porcelain, or composite and are designed to resemble your natural teeth. As such, no one would be able to tell if you have a dental implant, without looking at an x-ray of your teeth.
Differences between dental implants and bridges
Dental implants and bridges are often thought of as being one and the same, but they are not. Though they both serve to replace missing teeth, the techniques are different. Bridges are anchored to two healthy teeth on each side of the space where the missing tooth is, while dental implants are placed directly into the bone of the jaw without the need for anchoring teeth. Implants are better because there is no need to damage perfectly healthy, adjacent teeth to support a dental bridge. The downfall with have a dental bridge is, if anything happens to one of the anchoring teeth such as a cavity forming, then the entire bridge needs to be removed, the cavity fixed, then a new bridge placed. Another scenario is if one of the anchoring teeth of the bridge breaks, and cannot be saved, then the entire bridge is lost. The beauty of having a dental implant is that you do not need to use other teeth in the mouth to support your prosthetic/false tooth.
Who may have dental implants?
Although dental implants can effectively replace missing teeth, not everyone is a good candidate for them. To receive dental implants, your existing bone structure must be strong enough to support them. For this reason, people who have already experienced a great deal of bone loss may not be able to have dental implants. You should also be in overall good health and have no underlying gum issues as well. If you do have significant bone loss, and still want to have dental implants, Dr. Ha from Newport Beach Dental Studio would refer you to a periodontist who can further evaluate your bone levels to see if you are a good candidate for bone grafting, where they would “build up” enough bone level to be able to place your implant.
Benefits of dental implants
Patients with dental implants generally report higher self-esteem because these devices help enhance their appearance. They can also prevent future crowding by filling in space so that other teeth do not shift into the opening. You may find it is easier to eat and talk after having dental implants inserted. Dental implants are less expensive than other forms of cosmetic dentistry such as bridges, and will last for several years with proper care.
Caring for dental implants
To enjoy your dental implants as long as possible, you’ll need to have regular dental cleanings and examinations to ensure your teeth and gums remain healthy. Brushing and flossing should also be performed daily to prevent plaque and tartar from building up and leading to gingivitis.
If you have one or more missing teeth, you don’t have to simply put up with empty space in your mouth. Implants can solve a number of dental problems to help you look and feel your very best. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Ha to discuss more about obtaining a healthy, mouthful of teeth.
Schedule an implant consultation with Dr. Ha at Newport Beach Dental Studio