Dental implants
Dental implants look, feel and function just like natural teeth. The secret of what sets dental implants apart from other forms of teeth replacement is the implant itself, which is placed inside or on the jaw to serve as the root of the replacement tooth. The benefits of dental implants include:
- Prevents bone loss
- Increased comfort
- More food choices
- Long-term solution
- Versatile options
Dental implants, of course, improve the physical appearance of those who have lost teeth, which is also the case with alternative solutions such as traditional dentures. However, unlike traditional dentures, dental implants also preserve the existing bone inside the jaw. Many patients also find them to be more comfortable than dentures and find they have more food options available.
It is not uncommon for dental implants to last more than twenty years, and they can be used to replace a single missing tooth, a section of missing teeth or an entire row.
The dental implants process is, however, more invasive, and it does require a minor surgical procedure to place the implant(s) into the jaw. It typically takes several months for the natural bone in the jaw to properly fuse together with the implant, after which the abutment of the implant and the artificial replacement (crown, bridge, etc.) is placed to complete the restoration.