Although dental implants are becoming increasing popular as a treatment for tooth loss, the field of implant dentistry may still be a mystery to many patients considering this intervention.
As you proceed with making a treatment decision to restore your smile after tooth loss, you want to have as much information as possible about all of your treatment options, including dental implants. If you are unfamiliar with the nuts and bolts of this intervention, read on for a brief education.
If you are considering dental implants, schedule a consultation with our periodontist.
Dental Implants: An Overview
Implant dentistry offers patients the only structurally complete tooth replacement option. This is because the jawbone tissue osseointegrates the small titanium cylinder that is the dental implant itself.
After osseointegration is complete, dental implants can support any type of appliance: a single crown, a dental bridge or even an entire denture.
Dental implants are often placed by a specialist, such as a periodontist, who has additional expertise beyond the practice of general dentistry. A periodontist places dental implants on a regular basis, and that familiarity leads to optimal treatment results.
Surprising Facts About Dental Implants
- Dental implants are placed in the patient’s jaw in an outpatient procedure that takes just a few hours. Many patients can resume their normal routines within a few days of dental implant placement.
- Patients who have experienced bone loss can still be candidates for dental implants. Bone grafting can help patients overcome bone loss that might otherwise be an obstacle to dental implant placement.
- Dental implants resulted from an accidental scientific discovery. The foundation of implant dentistry came from a study in which a Swedish scientist was exploring the healing properties of bone and observed that a small titanium cylinder placed in the bone couldn’t be removed after months. This is why dental implants are made of titanium.
- Dental implants can last for decades when patients take good care of them. Dental implants become a permanent fixture in your jaw, so it’s important to prevent the problems that can compromise them such as gum disease and bone loss, for example.
Want to know more about dental implants? Visit our team at BC Perio for an evaluation and get all of the information you need to make your treatment decision.
