What are dental implants?
A dental implant is a screw-like device that is placed into your jawbone to mimic the root of a natural tooth. Acting as an artificial root structure, dental implants help prevent bone loss in the jaw, a common issue when there are no root structures to support it. After placement and a short healing period where the implant fuses with the bone, it provides a stable foundation for various tooth replacement options that closely resemble the look, feel, and function of your natural teeth. Activities such as eating, speaking, sleeping, and traveling will feel much like they did with your natural teeth.
Dental implants for single or multiple tooth replacement
Dental implants for single or multiple teeth replacement are like new teeth made of titanium and ceramic that look just like your natural teeth. A complete dental implant is composed of three main parts:
- Implant Body: Takes the place of the missing root.
- Abutment: Connects the implant body to the replacement tooth (crown).
- Crown: Custom-made to match the shape and color of your surrounding teeth.
Dental Implants for Full or Partial Arch Tooth Replacement
Implants can securely anchor prostheses such as full arch or partial dentures and bridges into the mouth. Utilizing implants allows for a secure and confident fit because they attach to the base of the prosthesis, preventing it from lifting off the gums and sliding around the mouth while performing daily activities such as chewing and speaking.
How do I care for my dental implant?
Proper cleaning of your dental implant is essential for maintaining good oral health and ensuring the success and longevity of your implant. Brush your dental implant at and below the gumline like you would with a natural tooth twice daily, and floss daily in between the crown and teeth on each side.
Regular dental visits with our doctors and team:
- Review the effectiveness of your home care techniques and tools used.
- Assess the health of your implants and gum tissue.
- Assess the health of your remaining natural teeth.
- Assess the integrity of your prosthesis
- Professionally clean your implant site, replacement tooth/teeth, prosthesis, and remaining natural teeth.
These steps help keep your implants, implant supported prostheses and remaining natural teeth in optimal condition and maintain healthy gum tissue by preventing buildup of harmful bacteria that can potentially lead to gum disease, bone loss, the loss of more natural teeth and even the ability of the implants to support your replacement options as designed.
