A dental implant is a surgical unit which interfaces with a bone or jaw of the person to support a new dental implant such as dentures, crown, bridge or even a prosthetic tooth to replace missing teeth. Dental implants have the ability to fuse to the bone with the help of titanium, and can last for many years after replacement of the original tooth.
A patient with a missing tooth has the option to go for dental implant,s or a tooth replacement procedure in which the dentist would implant an artificial tooth that the patient can wear on his gums, and which can be replaced if need be. In order to get the best results, the dentist will take into consideration various factors, and take the time in choosing the right prosthetic tooth. The implants are fitted with the help of metal posts which are placed into the jaw bone.
Implants can also be used to replace teeth that are damaged beyond repair. If one of your older child’s teeth has been lost, a dental implant might be a proper solution to replace the missing tooth. Grown children often become victims of losing a tooth. When such a situation arises, they require a replacement tooth as soon as possible, so that the problem can be sorted out, and no damage is done to the adjacent teeth.
The use of dental implants has proved to be a boon to many people, especially the elderly and people who cannot eat well due to age-related problems. This also helps in treating patients who suffer from diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, and thus helping them to live a longer life. An excellent benefit of dental implants is that they can last for several year. They provide the best solution for a patient who needs to get permanent dentures or permanent replacement of missing teeth.
The first step in the process of getting dental implants is that an impression of the dentin is made on a piece of plaster and this is done in the dental laboratory. The dentist will take this impression and make a mold of it and then cast it to get the shape of the prosthetic tooth. After the cast, the entire implant is prepared, and made ready for use. The prosthetic tooth is attached to the implant by a stainless steel pin and a metal screw is fixed on both the implant and the surrounding bone.
Implants are also used in dentures which are worn on the gums to cover a patient’s missing teeth. These dentures are more comfortable than conventional dentures, and can be used for a prolonged period of time as they do not cause any discomfort.