What are Dental Implants?

Compared to other tooth replacement options like dentures, bridges, and crowns, dental implants are a popular and effective long-term solution to a less-than-perfect smile. Because they fit, feel, and function like natural teeth, dental implants are quickly becoming the new standard in tooth replacement. But what makes dental implants so comfortable and secure? Here is some information about dental implants, what they are made of, and how they can help improve your smile.

Dental Implant Anatomy

Dental implants usually have three parts:

1. The implant fixture (or root): The fixture is basically a small screw that serves as a root for your new tooth. This screw permanently attaches to your jaw and provides the foundation for your implant.
2. The abutment (or middle piece): This piece is a connector that supports and holds your new teeth.
3. The crown (or artificial tooth): This is the part of the tooth that you can see above the gumline.

What Are Dental Implants Made Of?

Dental implants are usually made of titanium, which is lightweight, strong, and biocompatible. This means that it is not easily rejected by the body. Titanium and titanium alloys are the most widely used metals in both dental devices and other bone-related implants. The part of the tooth that sits above the gumline is usually made of porcelain or a porcelain-type material.

How Can Dental Implants Improve Your Smile?

1) Permanent

Dental implants never have to come out, so patients can be comfortable eating, drinking, sleeping, talking, and even kissing.

2) Natural

Dental implants are the next best thing to natural teeth. With dental implants, the look, feel, and function of natural teeth is created. Everything in your mouth will look completely natural. In fact, no one will know you have a dental implant except you.

3) Healthy

Tooth replacement options like bridges require a dentist to grind down adjacent teeth so that the bridge can be cemented into place. This means that the natural tooth structure of these teeth is compromised. In addition, this can also cause gum tissue to melt away, causing pain and sensitivity. The long-term prognosis for these teeth is usually poor as they often loosen and fail. Placement of dental implants does not involve the adjacent teeth, so they are not compromised or damaged. This means that your healthy teeth stay healthy.

4) Quality

With dental implants, a smile is more natural and so is the tooth function. The result is increased comfort and confidence when smiling, speaking, and eating. If dentures and partials are replaced with implant-supported teeth, the overall enhancement in quality of life is even more significant, with an ability to eat all types of foods, even crunchy or sticky snacks. You can eat what you want, when you want, where you want. You’ll speak better, feel better, and look better. And if you’re a denture or bridge wearer, you’ll never have to deal with messy adhesives or cleaning cups.

5) Improvement

According to dental studies, implants help create a healthier mouth, reduce periodontal disease, and help reduce dangerous debris in the mouth. If left untreated, such problems can lead to heart attacks, strokes, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and other dangerous diseases. Alternatively, dental implants can immediately improve the health of your mouth and if cared for properly can last many years longer than dentures or bridges.

Caring For Your Dental Implants

Tooth replacement options like dentures and bridges require cleaning products and sometimes special instruments to keep them clean and healthy. One of the best features of dental implants is the fact that they require no special care or maintenance. Patients need only brush and floss regularly to ensure that their implants last many decades. We also suggest that patients see their oral or implant surgeon regularly. Your dental implant can be cleaned and inspected at the same time as your regular cleaning.

Dugan and Sweeney Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Can Help You Fix Your Smile With Dental Implants

Don’t wait, the dental implant professionals at Dugan and Sweeney Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery want to help you get your smile back with permanent and natural looking dental implants. If you have questions about dental implants or payment options, please check out our dental implants website or call one of our helpful staff members now. We proudly serve the Pennsylvania communities of Butler, Pittsburgh, Greenville, and Zelienople, so call us now to get started.