How Do Dental Implants Work?

Today, dental implants continue to grow in popularity as an ideal treatment for missing teeth and an effective way of stabilizing dentures. If you’re interested in taking advantage of dental implants in San Jose, then read on to learn how these restorations work.

What They Are

A dental implant is a small post that is typically made of titanium, due to this metal’s biocompatibility. The post is surgically positioned in the jaw and is placed in the space where a missing tooth’s root once was. For this reason, many people think of dental implants as artificial tooth roots. For these restorations to be successful, it’s important for the patient’s jaw to have a sufficient amount of bone or bone density.

What They Do

After dental implant surgery, the metal post is given time to fuse with the jawbone, and this process provides the dental implant with a secure foundation in the patient’s mouth. Once the jaw has completely healed, the patient’s dentist can mount a permanent dental crown to the top of the post. This restoration is custom-made to blend in with the patient’s existing teeth, helping to restore his or her smile in a natural way. Besides being used to replace individual missing teeth, dental implants can also anchor or replace dentures.

How You Benefit

One of the most notable advantages of dental implants is that they offer a permanent way to replace a lost tooth and restore dental function. Also, they benefit a person’s dental health in several ways. For example, dental implants do not negatively impact the structure of the neighboring teeth, which is the case for bridges. Also, dental implants can reduce a person’s risk of gum disease and tooth decay by making it easier to practice good oral hygiene. Finally, these restorations benefit a person’s smile by filling in the gaps left by missing teeth and preventing a process called tooth drifting, in which nearby teeth drift out of place after a tooth is lost. Speak with your dentist to learn more about dental implants and if they could be right for you.