You probably didn’t think much about dental implants — that is, until you lost a tooth. Now it seems like tooth replacement is all you can think about. Which is better, a bridge or a dental implant? How do dental implants work, anyway? And which will last the longest? Our doctor knows there’s a lot to learn. That’s why our dental office has put together the following FAQ! Read and learn everything you need to know about dental implants in Lancaster, PA.
Q: How Do Dental Implants Work?
A: Dental implants provide the best replacement for one or more missing teeth thanks to a feature we call osseointegration. Titanium implants actually fuse with, or grow together with your jawbone, over a period of four to eight months. Once the process is complete, the dental implant is just as sturdy as any other bone in your body.
Thanks to osseointegration, dental implants promote better oral health. Our bones need stimulation to thrive — and with a prosthetic root, your jawbone can stay healthy and whole for a lifetime to come.
Q: What Are the Parts of a Dental Implant?
A: A dental implant is made up of three parts:
- Fixture: The part that you never see. The titanium fixture is surgically implanted beneath the gumline, where it acts as a prosthetic root.
- Abutment: Along with a screw, the abutment connects the dental implant to the crown, or the visible portion of the tooth. The abutment is placed after osseointegration is complete.
- Crown: The prosthetic tooth.
Each part of the dental implant works together to provide unsurpassed stability in tooth replacement.
Q: How Long Do Dental Implants Take?
A: While it depends on the extent of your tooth loss as well as the health of your jawbone to begin with, the entire procedure for dental implants can take up to a year. Preparatory bone augmentation procedures lengthen the total time for dental implants.
Q: How Does a Dental Implant Compare to a Bridge?
A: Non-implant supported options come at a lower initial cost than replacement with dental implants. Unfortunately, these solutions cannot be expected to last a lifetime like dental implants. Bridges and dentures, even when properly maintained, will need to be replaced periodically as the jawbone gradually loses its healthy volume.
Dental implants provide a tooth replacement that closely mimics the natural tooth structure. Patients can feel confident speaking, eating, and smiling with prosthetic teeth retained by dental implants.
Q: Am I A Candidate for Dental Implants?
A: The only way to know whether or not you are eligible for dental implants is to schedule an appointment with your implant dentist. Our doctor will evaluate your oral and overall health as well as the extent of your tooth loss to determine your candidacy for dental implants.
Typically, patients should be healthy enough to undergo a surgical procedure. Diseases affecting the immune system prevent patients from successful recovery following implantation.
Additionally, patients who have gone for a long period without tooth replacement may have already experienced a significant loss of bone structure in the jaw. Your dentist in Lititz, PA may recommend a bone augmentation procedure — like bone grafting or sinus lift — before your dental implantation.