Dental Implants : What They Are & How They Work

A missing tooth or teeth can cause a variety of issues with a person’s bite, oral health and the look of their smile. Because of this, it’s extremely important to replace a missing tooth or teeth. While there are a few different options to choose from, one durable and long-lasting option is a dental implant.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are prosthetic tooth replacements that involve the placement of a false tooth or set of teeth by implanting a titanium rod or series of rods in the jawbone. These rods hold the teeth in place via abutments.

Why Implants?

Many people feel self-conscious with a missing tooth. This leads to them smiling less often, which can affect their mood and overall demeanor. A tooth replacement can help to boost the mood of a patient and can make them more confident.

Beyond aesthetic appearance, replacing a tooth or teeth is extremely important for a patient’s oral health. Missing teeth can make it easier for bacteria to grow and spread. Many patients find that tooth decay and gum disease is more prevalent—especially when their teeth begin to migrate due to the gap between their teeth. This migration can lead to crowding, and even the impacting of other teeth. Finally, without having a replacement tooth, the jawbone will typically begin to deteriorate. To avoid this damage and decay, it’s important to replace a missing tooth or teeth.

Endosteal Versus Subperiosteal Implants

There are different options for implants, depending on the needs of the patient as well as the number of teeth that need to be replaced. Endosteal implants are very popular and are what many people think of when they think of implants. These implants involve the placement of a titanium rod or rods to hold the false tooth or teeth in place.

Another implant option is subperiosteal implants. These involve the placement of a metal frame below the gums that includes posts that poke through the gums. The false teeth are placed on the posts to hold them in place.

Are Implants Right for Me?

There are a variety of different replacement options for a missing tooth or set of teeth, and some options are better for some patients than others. Actually, some options may not be available at all to certain patients. Dental implants, while a strong and durable option, are not always an option. Because they involve the placement of metal rods or frames in the jawbone, the bone tissue needs to be strong. If it is not, an implant may not be able to be placed.

For patients that either cannot have implants placed or for those who cannot afford implants (which are generally a more expensive option), a dental bridge may be the best replacement option. While dental bridges aren’t as durable, they are typically more affordable.

Set up an appointment with your general dentist for a consultation to see if dental implants are right for your needs and budget.

Wake Dental Care (located in Cary, NC) is the areas leader in dental implant dentistry. Contact our office today to setup an appointment and see if dental implants are the right fit for you.

If you're interested in learning more about dental implants in general, here's some reading on the benefits of dental implants.