Have you ever wondered How do dental implants work? We’re glad you asked! Our office has invested in in-depth training for our doctors as well as Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), also known as 3D Imaging technology, to afford our team the ability to treatment plan dental implants with pinpoint accuracy.
Implants have become the standard of care for replacing teeth lost to disease or even congenitally missing teeth. Missing teeth affect your ability to speak and eat. Many patients choose implants over removable appliances or fixed bridges because they are not comparable to the appearance or function of natural teeth, like implants. Per the American Dental Association, 5 million implants are placed each year in the U.S. and for good reason. Long term clinical success rates are well over 95%.
How do dental implants work?
Am I a good candidate for a dental implant?
Patients in good general health with healthy gums and jawbone that can support an implant should consider consulting with their dentist to evaluate whether implants are an option to replace missing teeth. Patients who use tobacco are at a greater risk for gum disease which can weaken the bone and tissues that are needed to support both natural teeth and implants.
Is the procedure painful?
Patients consistently report that the discomfort of placing an implant is far less than expected and is the “easiest dental procedure” they’ve had completed.
What does the procedure involve?
The implant it’s self is a small metallic cylinder that substitutes for the natural tooth root. The process involves at least two steps: placing the implant in the jaw and allowing the bone the grow for three to four months to hold the implant in place, then an artificial tooth that is custom designed especially for your mouth is placed over the implant.
What are the advantages of an implant?
Dental implants can eliminate the need for fixed bridges, partials or dentures. Implants feel and behave more like your own natural teeth. Implants preserve bone by preventing the jawbone from shrinking and changing shape once a tooth is lost. Implants eliminate the need for healthy adjacent teeth to be cut down, as is required when placing a bridge. Implants allow ill-fitting dentures to be firmly attached, creating stability and better function.
While the treatment time for dental implants is longer and the cost is higher than some dental procedures, the investment of time and money has consistently proved to be the best option for most patients.
