A dental implant is the titanium post surgically implanted into the jawbone to allow for the mounting of a replacement tooth or a dental bridge. Implants foster good oral hygiene because the replacement teeth are not anchored to natural teeth.
The doctors and the oral healthcare professionals at Bayport Dental Care, located near you in Bayport, want to educate their patients, new and current, on the function and the types of dental implants.
How Dental Implants Work
Dental implants provide stable, independent support for replacement teeth. Dentures, bridges or crowns mounted to implants will not shift or move within the mouth. The replacement tooth will feel and function like a natural tooth because the implant is fused to the jawbone.
Candidates for Dental Implants
Bridges or dentures may not be the choice for some people due to comfort. A person may have sore spots within their mouth, have an insufficient bone ridge or gag by the placement of dentures.
In order to receive implants, a person must have healthy gums and adequate bone mass. A person must also commit to consistent oral hygiene.
Dental implants are the most expensive option for a tooth replacement and most insurance carriers only cover 10% of the total cost.
Types of Implants
The American Dental Association considers two types of implants as safe.
- Endosteal Implant
These implants are surgically implanted directly into the jawbone. When the gum tissue heals, a second surgery is needed to connect the post to the implant. The artificial tooth is then attached to the post either individually or grouped as a bridge.
- Subperiosteal Implant
These implants are a metal frame fitted onto the jawbone just below the gumline. The frame becomes fixed to the jawbone as the gums heal. The posts, attached to the frame, will protrude through the gumline. The artificial tooth is then mounted onto the post.
Oral Care Tips for Implants
Consistent oral hygiene is a must. The use of an interdental brush, a brush that slides between teeth, is recommended to clean the hard-to-reach areas around the implant.
For those who smoke, quitting is recommended not only for overall health reasons, but smoking can weaken bone structure that will contribute to implant failure.
All patients with dental implants are instructed to avoid the chewing and the biting of hard objects, hard foods and ice.
If you would like a consultation regarding the types, the function and the care of dental implants, then please contact the oral healthcare professionals at Bayport Dental Care, where new patients are always welcome.
Bayport Dental Care is trusted and highly recommended for dental implants, as well as other treatments and procedures in general, cosmetic and restorative dentistry.
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