subject: Dental Implants Offer Chance To Replace Missing Teeth [print this page] Missing teeth can ruin a once-healthy smile and cause shame and lack of self-confidence. In the past, dentures were the only option to replace a missing tooth. However, today there is another option that can resolve the problem of a missing tooth. Dental implants can function as a replacement root for a tooth and serve as an anchor for a crown that will act as a normal tooth. If you are a candidate for an implant, your Azle family dentist can perform the procedure and your smile will be perfect once again.
Implants: What Are They?
Implants are synthetic structures that are inserted into the gums to serve as a replacement for the root of a tooth. They are attached to the jawbone and become anchors for an artificial tooth that is attached to the implant. Using an implant as opposed to dentures or a dental bridge acts as a more natural approach to fixing your teeth. They function just as a root does and if taken care of, can last an entire lifetime. Implants are made of titanium, which chemically is able to bond directly to bone through a process called osseointegration. Once the dentist has placed the implant onto the bone, there is a waiting period while the titanium fuses with the bone. After that process is complete, the dentist will insert a post to the implant and then will wait for the gum tissue to heal around the post. After the healing is complete, the dentist will then attach the crown to the post. After this final step, the new crown and implant act as a normal tooth and there will be no discernable difference.
Are You A Candidate For Implants?
You might be asking yourself if you are a candidate for receiving an implant. Most people are theoretically eligible to receive implants, but much of the responsibility lies with the individual. Smoking can be harmful to healing in the mouth and can hamper the implant process. Oral health is also crucial. Brushing twice daily and flossing every day are essential to maintaining the health of your implant and making sure there are no problems. Patients who also suffer from diabetes may have problems in that their gums will not heal at a normal rate.
Bone structure can also play an important role in your eligibility for receiving dental implants. For implants to be effective, there must be enough bone to anchor the implants into the jaw. Your dentist will be able to evaluate your bone structure and determine if you are eligible to receive implants.
If you have lost a tooth or are looking to replace dentures or bridges, implants may be the option you have been looking for. Contact your dentist in Azle to learn more about how dental implants can help you.
by: Gen Wright
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