What is a Dental Implant?
Dental implants provide stable support for artificial teeth because implants fuse to your jawbone. Dentures and bridges mounted to implants won’t slip or shift in your mouth. This is very important to ensure comfort and that eating and speaking aren’t a challenge.
To receive implants, it is crucial that you have healthy gums and adequate bone to support the implant. By getting implants, you also need to make a commitment to keeping these structures healthy. Impeccable oral hygiene and regular dentist visits are the keys to success.
The American Dental Association considers two types of implants to be safe. They are:
- Endosteal implants — these are surgically implanted directly into the jawbone. Once the surrounding gum tissue has healed, a second surgery is needed to connect a post to the original implant. Finally, an artificial tooth (or teeth) is attached to the post, either individually, or grouped on a bridge or denture.
- Subperiosteal implants — these consist of a metal frame that is fitted onto the jawbone just below the gum tissue. As the gums heal, the frame becomes fixed to the jawbone. Posts, which are attached to the frame, protrude through the gums. As with endosteal implants, artificial teeth are then mounted to the posts.
Dental implants are a big deal and a major commitment. If you think a dental implant may be a good option for you, be sure to speak with a dental professional first! Please don’t hesitate to contact our office if you have any questions.