Dental implants are simply a form of cosmetic dentistry that replaces missing, or decayed, teeth with a permanent tooth (or two). Dental implants are an option that some patients elect rather than wearing dentures, which for some people are quite uncomfortable. However, a dental implant can be uncomfortable initially but once established, can work wonders for your smile. Here’s how it works.

An X-ray is generally taken to check on the quality and amount of bone remaining. If you have had teeth missing for a long time, there is a good chance that some of your jaw bones have shrunken. If your jaw bone is in good shape, a hole is drilled down into the bone and a titanium implant embedded.

The titanium implant is left in place for three to six months. This enables it to heal in place and become a permanent part of the jaw. Once the implant is completely healed, a tooth is then attached to it. Once the work has been completed, your teeth will look and feel complete again. Dentures, even partial dentures, have a habit of moving and becoming uncomfortable. They are also susceptible to food particulars, which have an annoying habit of getting under the plate.

Once in place, teeth implants have a long life and only require the same type of maintenance as ordinary teeth. Implants have been used to replace single teeth, or used in conjunction with bridges and crowns to replace multiple teeth. While implants can be costly initially, compared to the price of dentures, which need renewing every three or four years, they work out to be quite economical. Talk to your dentist if you feel an implant could be an option for your teeth.

Tags: dental technology, dentures, implants