A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge.
A dental implant is surgically placed by a periodontist or oral surgeon and allowed to heal and integrate with the surrounding bone. After the healing period, the implant can be restored with a crown or cap, much like a crown on a natural tooth. Dental implants are made of titanium metal that is compatible with the body and integrates well within the jaw bone. This is a perfect choice for individuals who maintain excellent basic oral health but have lost one or more teeth due to gum disease, decay or traumatic injury. Multiple implants can support bridges or dentures where a person has lost many teeth.
Dental implants do not depend on the support of surrounding teeth and therefore have minimal impact on them, in sharp contrast to partial dentures and bridgework. By following proper dental and oral hygiene these dental implants can last a long time.
Though less expensive, partial and full dentures have limitations. They just don’t act and feel like natural teeth. It can be a challenge to maintain a good fit and alignment to avoid embarrassing slippage. They need to be periodically adjusted and relined. After seven to ten years, they may need replacement. The biggest problem though is the gradual loss of underlying bone or recession of the jaw. This leads to loose dentures that need frequent adjustment and replacement. With partial dentures, the surrounding teeth are also impacted due to the loss of support of the surrounding natural teeth. Clearly, dental implants are the best choice and closest to natural teeth in look, feel and function.
The greatest impediments to much wider use of dental implants have been their cost, complexity of the procedure and the time it takes to heal. Things are getting much better though. Costs have come down considerably. Surgical procedures and the time to heal have improved significantly. The goal of placing an implant and the porcelain tooth on the same day is getting closer and closer.
Therefore, for patients who have missing teeth or need partial or full dentures, it is important to have an in-depth conversation with their dental care provider to determine whether implants, in the long run, make financial sense and can help to achieve the goals of well-being and a beautiful smile.
If you live in or around Mukilteo WA area do not hesitate to call Mukilteo Dentists Dr. Onishi, Dr. Sarsfield and other experts at Harbour Place Dental who go above and beyond when it concerns helping their patients with ideal dental care and a perfect smile. Call them at (425) 493-8111, or visit and contact them through their website or by email: harbourpldental@gmail.com and ask them if at home teeth whitening is right for you and advice on reducing and/or coping with Teeth whitening sensitivity and after treatment care.
