Dental implants are considered some of the most natural tooth replacement options. Here are a few questions and answers about dental implants to help you understand their surgical procedure and what you can expect:
What exactly is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a metal rod or screw that is inserted into the jawbone to replace the root of a tooth. The surgical application is performed in an outpatient setting at a dental office and usually requires the use of local anesthesia.
How does the density of your jawbone affect the placement of a dental implant?
If your jawbone is not thick enough to support the installation of an implant, your dentist may perform additional bone-grafting procedures to prepare you for the implant.
How is a bone graft performed?
A bone graft can be done by removing a portion of bone from a different area of your body or by extracting it from a donor. Suitable donors can include cadavers and even pigs. The harvested bone is attached to the thin bone that is already available in the jaw.
After the graft wound has had sufficient time to heal and the jawbone density is sufficient to support an implant, your dentist can complete the implant's installation.
Why are dental implants often made of titanium?
It is important that dental implants be made from a biocompatible material, such as titanium. This reduces the likelihood of implant failure from an immunological response of the patient's body to the foreign implant. In addition, the implant material must be durable.
How often should dental implants be replaced?
Dental implants should not require replacement. Once an implant has been successfully installed, it should last the lifetime of the patient.
Still, there are instances in which an implant fails. For instance, if an implant is loosened by trauma or bruxism, which is the grinding of the teeth at night, it will require replacement. In addition, implants that do not heal properly due to issues with unstable blood sugar, tobacco usage or periodontal disease may also fail.
In order for an implant to be successful, osseointegration must occur. This is the process through which the bone of the jaw fuses with the metal implant rod or screw. Once osseointegration is complete, an implant is as stable within the jaw as a natural tooth.
To learn more about dental implants and how they can help you, consult with a dentist in your area.
Share15 April 2016
I have always brushed and flossed my teeth daily, but I still had the occasional cavity when I visited the dentist for a check-up. He told me it was normal to have a cavity on occasion and that I shouldn't let it stress me out too much. Well, I am not one to just accept any problem I am having, so I started looking into how to improve my oral hygiene even more. I had always thought mouthwash was just to improve your breath, but I found some that said they helped keep cavities away. I started using one every day before bed. I haven't had a cavity in two years now, and I think the mouth rinse is the reason! I created this blog to remind other people that even if they brush and floss regularly, they can always find ways to take even better care of their teeth.