Dental implants are now the leading choice among all other restoration options, not only because they reduce the risk of periodontal disease and other oral infections, but also helping keep the jaw bone healthy. So how do dental implants do all that? At Radiance Dentistry in Irving, TX, Dr. Mounir Iskandar takes extra time to educate his patients about the anatomy of a dental implant to present the procedure and its post-op benefits. Explaining the anatomy of a dental implant will also tell how this restoration can give you a stronger and healthier smile, so you can be confident it will work.
The jaw bone can shrink over time when teeth are missing. Unlike other treatment options that only replace missing crowns, dental implants replace both the missing root and crown which translates to a stronger jaw bone and enhanced stability. Unlike bridges and dentures, dental implants provide long-term solutions to patients without damaging the adjacent healthy teeth.
The anatomy of an implant has three parts: the implant post, the abutment, and the artificial crowns. These three are put carefully together to give you a secure and comfortable fit. Unlike regular dentures that slip, these three parts play a significant role together in making implants look and feel natural while ensuring your smile will last a lifetime!
IMPLANT POST
The implant posts are what makes dental implants superior to other types of restorations. Crafted from biocompatible titanium, these implant posts resemble a screw.
An implant post acts as the missing tooth root, drawing nutrients to the jawbone and preventing bone loss. The implant post becomes the primary support of the restoration by integrating with the bone. This integration is done surgically, inserting the implant post into the jaw, then creating a permanent and stable foundation.
THE ABUTMENT
The abutment is the connecting piece that will hold the final restoration in place after the gums have healed. This is done by attaching the abutment to the end of the implant when it has fully integrated with the jawbone. Abutments come in different sizes and shapes, depending on the type of restorations they will support.
RESTORATION
High-quality and custom-made crowns, bridges, and dentures can be attached to dental implants, so they feel and look natural. This is made by taking impressions once your gums have completely healed. To ensure that they fit comfortably, Dr. Iskandar makes your implant-supported restorations from precise measurements. These restorations will then function like your natural teeth after being securely attached by Dr. Iskandar to the abutments. You can eat your favorite foods once more and speak clearly. Caring for implant-supported restorations is as simple as caring for your natural teeth: brush and floss daily, and get regular dental exams and cleanings.
FIND OUT IF DENTAL IMPLANTS ARE RIGHT FOR YOU
Whether you are missing one tooth, several teeth, or all your teeth, dental implants are the best possible solution. Dr. Iskandar can thoroughly evaluate your remaining teeth, gums, and jawbone to determine if dental implants are right for you. Although not all patients qualify for dental implants, procedures like bone grafting can significantly improve your candidacy. Contact Radiance Dentistry today to schedule your consultation.