Dental Implants

Dental implants are, simply put, artificial teeth.  Of course the difference between implants and dentures, is that the implants are often grafted or screwed right into the bone, and look just like ordinary teeth.

Dental implants are typically used to replace a tooth that has been lost or removed for any reason.  In cases where dental implants are used to add function, they are not considered cosmetic dentistry.

A dental implant can be used (and often is) for cosmetic dentistry purposes.  Most insurance companies, unfortunately, tend to get headaches when it comes to paying for cosmetic dentistry.

 An example of a dental implant for cosmetic purposes is when trying to even out smiles.  In some cases, a person may have lost a tooth when they were fairly young, or the tooth never came in.  In any event, most of the other teeth will begin to push together and can result in an uneven smile.  A dentist may recommend spacing the existing teeth further apart, and then implanting an artificial tooth in between them to even out the smile.

Dental implants, used strategically, are a valuable tool in any dentist’s arsenal.

Dental Implants aren't just for Looks

Dental implants are absolutely more important for reasons other than cosmetic purposes.  Historically, there have been several methods dentists have used to replace lost teeth.  Some examples are:

• partial dentures
• full dentures
• fixed bridges

There is an unfortunate side to the removal of teeth other than the obvious though.  Studies indicate, Mother Nature believes that since your teeth are gone, there is no need for the bone that supports them.  Your body slowly starts to absorb the bone causing your jawbone to deteriorate.  This process is called resorption.

When resorption begins to occur, at some point in the future, you may not be able to even wear dentures.  There just won’t be enough bone left to stick the dentures to, no matter how much adhesive you use.

This is where dental implants come in.  Dental implants look and act almost identical to regular teeth.  There are two types of implants, those that sit on top of (but attached) to the bone, and those that are actually inserted into the bone similar to the root of your natural tooth.

Dental implants restore proper chewing function, they won’t generally move or loosen, and dental implants help to keep the bone from deteriorating.

Dental implants can actually be used to completely replace dentures.  This will remove the need for sticky adhesives, keep you from being embarrassed by dentures that tend to shift and fall out, and keep your gums from becoming irritated by the constant friction caused by dentures.

Dental implants can be a true blessing by allowing the wearer to eat any foods that previously had to be avoided.  Dental implants allow people with missing teeth to regain a normal life and can be maintained through proper brushing and flossing similar to natural teeth.