Dental ImplantsWhen advanced periodontal (gum) disease begins to attack the underlying jawbone, patients are at greater risk for tooth loss. Did you know that your periodontist can offer you treatment for a missing tooth or even an entire arch of missing teeth? By outperforming alternatives like bridges and dentures, dental implants represent a major advance in tooth replacement procedures. A dental implant is a small titanium screw that is inserted into the jawbone by your periodontist. Over the course of several months, the implant fuses with the jawbone, essentially replacing the absent tooth’s root structure. Dental implants mimic the entire tooth structure, rather than merely filling in for the visible crown portion. As a result, their stability and durability is unmatched by other tooth replacement options. Because they replicate a biological tooth, dental implants preserve much of the biological tooth’s function. They prevent jawbone erosion and have a minimal impact on chewing and speech. Dental implants also can be maintained just like natural teeth with routine brushing and flossing. A single missing tooth can be replaced with a dental implant and an artificial crown, and multiple dental implants can be used to support an entire denture. Dental implant placement requires only a small incision in the gums, and the recovery time is relatively quick. After the implant has become fully integrated with your jawbone, you’ll be refitted with your permanent artificial crown or implant-supported. |
