What is a dental implant?
Dental implants are a dental appliance that replaces lost teeth. They can help restore areas where tooth loss has created a gap, and they serve as an anchoring point for other appliances, such as dentures.
Dental implants are made of a screw that is embedded into your jawbone. This screw, which becomes a part of the bone tissue, creates a stable post that can hold a false tooth or appliance in place. Once the post is set and healed, a customized crown is placed over the post and permanently fixed into place, or a removable device is fitted.
Why do I need a dental implant?
Your dentist may suggest you get a dental implant if you have missing teeth, due to decay or injury. Filling the space created by the missing teeth helps to:
- Prevent shifting of other teeth
- Fix bite problems or jaw damage caused by missing teeth
- Restore your smile
- Restore the ability to chew, speak, and digest food properly
- Protect the shape of your face and mouth
Dental implants also serve as stable anchor points for larger appliances that may be needed if large sections or an entire set of lower or upper teeth are missing.
What does getting dental implants involve?
Dental implants are put in place by an oral surgeon who is skilled at this type of dental work. Dental implants require several visits over several months. Your dentist goes over each step with you ahead of time, so you can anticipate the process.
Some steps of the process include:
- X-rays and images of your teeth and mouth
- Impressions made of teeth and mouth
- Placement of post into the jaw
- Healing of gums and bone tissue around the post
- Placement of a temporary crown
- Creation of a permanent crown
- Fitting of the permanent crown
Some steps of this procedure require oral surgery, which requires time to heal and establish a solid, permanent implant. Once this process is complete, you have a durable, trustworthy solution to your missing teeth for a long time to come.
For a consultation regarding your dental implant, call or schedule an appointment online with Fresh Dental Care.
Fresh Dental is located in Houston, TX, and serves the greater Cypress, Katy, Humble, and Porter areas.
