If you are reviewing your tooth replacement options and are considering dental implants, you probably have many questions. When patients come to our office for a tooth replacement consultation, we tend to answer very similar questions on topics such as the longevity of implants, what to expect from the procedure, and what makes dental implants unique from other types of replacement teeth. Following is some helpful insight about dental implants and how they work.
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is used to replace the roots of a missing tooth. Made from titanium, an implant is a small post that looks a bit like a screw because it has a ridged texture. The titanium post is rooted into the jawbone by a surgical procedure. Once the bone integrates around the post, stabilizing it in place, a permanent prosthetic is attached to the implant to complete the tooth replacement process. Prosthetics like dental crowns and bridges are used.
How long do dental implants last?
With proper care and successful implantation, dental implants can easily last for decades and in many cases, the rest of a patient’s life. The reason implants have such a long lifespan is the fact that the bone anchors them in place. Bone integrating to titanium is a biological process called osseointegration. The body’s immune system will not reject titanium as a foreign object; instead, the body will treat titanium as mineralized tissue. This is why titanium is ideal for replacing hard tissues like bones, joints, and the roots of teeth.
Will I be able to eat my favorite foods?
Once the implant is stabilized and fitted with a custom prosthetic, patients will enjoy restored oral function. This means that eating all kinds of food is easy and comfortable.
How do I know if dental implants are right for me?
The best candidates for implants are committed to practicing proper oral hygiene and receiving routine dental checkups and cleanings. When determining candidacy for implants, our oral surgeon will need to perform a physical examination and use diagnostic technology to evaluate the health of all oral structures including bones and gums.
Call us today at Texas Oral Surgery Specialists today to reserve a tooth replacement consultation with our surgeon!
