Dental implantation, commonly referred to as dental implants, involves a process that helps restore the teeth’ function and appearance. They may provide an excellent option to improve many dental patients’ oral health, including those who do not want to get partial or full dentures. Understanding how dental implants work and the purpose of dental implants is an important part of deciding whether dental implant services are the right option for you or your loved one. To discuss the treatment options available, please contact Lovett Dental Sugarland today at 281-759-5900.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that a dentist will place into patients’ jawbone requiring dental implant services. They look like a small screw or are a cylinder shape. Dental implants are typically made of titanium or may be made of other materials. The implant itself is only the part that the dentist will place into or on the jaw.
The purpose of dental implants is to hold the replacement tooth or the teeth that will eventually go over the new dental implant. The process of getting dental implants is a surgical procedure. Once the gums heal after the dentist places the implant appropriately, the next step is to attach the post or abutment to the rooted implant. Sometimes, the dentist places both the root and the post during a single appointment. The dentist will discuss the process during the initial consultation appointment.
Dentists often use two types of dental implants in the dental implantation process. The endosteal implant is the most common type of dental implant available today. This type of implant is the type that a dentist will surgically place into the bone to hold one or more artificial or prosthetic teeth.
The other type of implant is the subperiosteal dental implant. This type of implant sits on top of the bone or jaw. The post that will hold the tooth extends through the gums and eventually holds the artificial teeth in place. Patients that have a minimal amount of jaw height may benefit from the subperiosteal dental implant. Patients must still have a healthy jaw and healthy gums to be good candidates for dental implantation services.
The Function of Dental Implants
People get dental implants for several reasons beyond improving their smiles. The function of dental implants includes:
- To replace one or more missing teeth to allow for improved eating and speech
- Serves to save adjacent teeth from added stress or injury
- Offers an alternative to dentures that also helps to prevent receding gums or bone loss
- Offers an alternative to traditional bridgework
- Dental implants look more natural compared to dentures
Dental implants also may improve the self-esteem of people that avoid smiling and meeting new people because of the appearance of their teeth or their oral health issues.
Learn More at Lovett Dental Sugar Land
We welcome your call to make an appointment today at Lovett Dental Sugar Land to get started on your journey to getting dental implants and experiencing a healthier smile. You’ll find improved functions such as eating and speaking and the other benefits of dental implant services. Our dentist office is a full-service dentistry practice capable of providing a wide range of expert services. For instance, in addition to dental implants, we also offer services, such as:
Our professional staff is here to answer your questions about getting dental implants, the process involved in the procedure, or to answer your questions. For more information about the services we provide, please contact Lovett Dental Sugar Land right now at 281-759-5900, or contact us online.
