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About Dental Implants

Dental implants are one of the most impressive advancements in tooth replacement in generations. They are the only solution for missing teeth that replace both the visible portion of the tooth and the root.

Dental implants are titanium posts placed in the jaw as artificial roots to support prosthetic teeth. Through the process of osseointegration, implants become securely anchored in the jawbone and provide a strong foundation for the new teeth. They look and function just like natural teeth—and in some ways, they may be better than natural teeth since they will not decay!

A dental implant-supported restoration has three components:

The Implant

An artificial tooth root surgically inserted into the jawbone as the foundation for new replacement teeth. Implants are usually made of pure titanium, a biologically compatible metal with a long history of safety and success. As the jawbone heals, the bone grows around the implant, making it a permanent and immovable part of the jaw. This process is called osseointegration.

The Abutment

The connecting element between the implant and a dental crown or prosthesis. The abutment is made of ceramic or titanium and screws into the implant in preparation for crown placement.

The Crown

The prosthetic tooth, or restoration, which is placed over the abutment. Crowns are usually custom-fabricated from porcelain or ceramic by a dentist or prosthodontist. Sometimes, a dental prosthetic resembling a lighter and thinner denture may be attached to multiple implants to replace several natural teeth.

Dental Implant Materials

Most implants are made from commercially pure titanium, a biocompatible material often used in joint replacements. Different implant systems offer a variety of designs but most often use tapered or straight screws. Zirconia, a ceramic material, is also used to manufacture implants and may be the ideal choice for patients with metal allergies. The basic difference between different implants is the physical shape, the surface treatments used to enhance stability, and the types of abutments used to attach the new prosthetic teeth.

Advantages of Dental Implants

Implants offer several benefits over traditional tooth replacement options such as standard bridges or dentures.

  • Dental implants and restorations look and feel natural, enhancing your appearance and boosting your self-confidence.
  • They are permanent and can last a lifetime with proper care.
  • Implant restorations don’t irritate the gums the way dentures can.
  • They are stable and secure for improved eating and speech.
  • They are easy to care for – you brush and floss them like your natural teeth.
  • They are convenient and reliable – and can’t be lost or misplaced like dentures.
  • They help protect remaining teeth from shifting and becoming loose by filling in the gap left by missing teeth.
  • They maintain the fullness of the facial tissues for a more youthful look.
  • Dental implants stimulate bone growth, helping prevent the unattractive “bite collapse” that denture wearers can suffer, resulting in an aged appearance.
  • Implants are strong enough to support other dental appliances, making bridgework or dentures more secure and comfortable.

With all of these benefits, it’s easy to understand why dental implants are gaining popularity and have become the gold standard for tooth replacement.

Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Several factors affect whether dental implants are a good choice for you. These include your overall health, general oral health, bone and gum health, existing medical conditions, age, and risk factors like smoking.

To get dental implants, you must be healthy enough to undergo implant surgery. In addition to good overall health, implant candidates must have adequate gum tissue and jawbone to hold the dental implants securely. In certain cases, an additional bone grafting procedure or a sinus lift may be needed to augment areas with insufficient bone or create more space to accommodate an implant.

Underlying health conditions such as heart disease or diabetes will not rule out implant placement as long as they are properly monitored and controlled.

Since smoking impairs the body’s ability to heal, smokers experience higher implant failure rates than nonsmokers. Therefore, smoking is highly discouraged for those considering dental implants.

Implants are usually not placed until the jaws have fully matured. This occurs between the ages of 16 and 18. There is no upper age limit for implant placement.

If you are interested in dental implants and believe you are a candidate for this procedure, please call our office at Fayetteville Office Phone Number 910-483-9216 to schedule a consultation with one of our doctors. They will perform an examination and review your dental implant options with you.