One of several cosmetic dentistry procedures dentists offer is dental implantation. This service improves the appearance of the smile by replacing a missing tooth. Plus, it restores the full chewing ability of the mouth. Getting dental implants requires several surgeries to prepare the mouth and place the various parts of the implant. The patient finishes the process with a permanent replacement for a tooth that feels and looks just like their other teeth. Plus, this implant should last for the rest of the patient’s life.
What Is the Purpose of Dental Implants?
Not all cosmetic dental services and procedures only serve to improve the patient’s appearance. For example, dental implants combine visual appeal with improved function in their purpose. These implants permanently stand in for missing teeth to give a smile a complete look. Plus, they have an additional purpose of keeping the jaw healthy.
The purpose of dental implants is to preserve bone while replacing one or multiple teeth. For instance, patients may lose a tooth due to injury or infection. The loss of a tooth can lead to bone loss because the jawbone does not need to hold onto the natural tooth. Therefore, it loses density over time. However, a dental implant fills in the spot for the missing tooth. Plus, the installation process stimulates the growth of the bone in the jaw. This bone growth keeps the smile great-looking and the bone healthy. Plus, the growth holds the implant in place for life.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
Dental implants are not like other types of restorative dentistry fixtures. These components consist of several main parts:
- The screw holds the implant into the jaw
- Abutment accommodates the crown, bridge, or snap-in dentures
- Crown replaces a single tooth with a porcelain replacement
- Snap-in bridge or dentures replace multiple teeth using the implants as anchors
These parts of the implants require multiple surgeries to put into place. During a consultation, the dentist will look at the patient and image their teeth to determine if they need an extra procedure called a bone graft. This step brings bone from elsewhere to the jaw, so the mouth has enough bone to support the screw of the implant. Patients may also need an extraction if they have an infected tooth that a root canal treatment cannot save.
The first main step of getting dental implants after the healing of an extraction and bone graft is placing the screw into the jaw for those who needed either. After this, the patient should wait for a few weeks until the bone grows around the screw to firmly keep it in place. Next, the patient gets the abutment added to the top of the screw. Finally, they will receive the crown or snap-in dentures or bridge.
Since the procedure has several steps, the patient may need months before enjoying their new implant. The dentist can give the patient a more precise timeline based on any additional preparation the patient needs.
Different Functions of Dental Implants
The purpose of dental implants is to keep bone in place while replacing a tooth. However, these fixtures have several uses. One function of dental implants is to hold a crown to replace a single tooth permanently. They can also support snap-in bridges for multiple teeth. Lastly, another function of dental implants is anchoring dentures for a more secure hold for these replacements for a full set of top or bottom teeth.
Make an Appointment at Lovett Dental Cinco Ranch for an Evaluation for Dental Implants
To get dental implants in Cinco Ranch, Texas, phone 713-244-7799 to reach us at Lovett Dental Cinco Ranch. Alternatively, connect with us using our contact form online. We have dentists available to treat the entire family and many conditions. From general and pediatric dentistry to endodontic care and cosmetic dental procedures, our qualified team means our patients don’t need to go far to find a specialist for great oral care. Make us the first choice for any dental care needed, including preventative care and specialty services, such as dental implants.
