Dental implants provide the most lifelike tooth replacement possible, and they also boast a 90% success rate. But what makes them so different from traditional bridges and dentures? How do they last so much longer? In today’s blog, your Livonia, MI, dentist will explain by highlighting what makes up each dental implant.
The Post, or Root
This is the main difference between your dental implant, and a bridge or denture. The latter relies on crowns, suction, clasps, or adhesives to stay in place. Which means as the jaw ridge changes shape following tooth loss, they need to be periodically replaced. But the post, made from biocompatible titanium, is accepted by the body as a natural root. It bonds with the bone through a process known as osseointegration. Not only does this secure it in place, but it stimulates the growth of bone tissue to prevent changes in the shape of the jaw ridge. As a result, the new root could last for decades to come. For some, they could even last a lifetime!
The Abutment
Once the placement area heals, then we will need to attach an abutment to each of the posts. The abutment is secured beneath the gums and then extends past the gum line. We use these to connect the restoration for an individual implant, or to help attach the bridge or denture if you have multiple ones in your smile.
The Restoration or Prosthetic
If you have an individual one, then we will attach a custom-made dental crown. The restoration is designed to fit comfortably, provide a balanced bite, and to also look natural, blending seamlessly with the rest of your smile. You also have a durable chewing surface, as the material we craft them from can absorb daily bite forces. If you have multiple missing teeth, then we could design and fit a bridge or denture. These prosthetics will be fixed in place, so you don’t need to remove them for cleaning, and they also never slip during meals or speech. We have options that can also be used with as few as four implant posts, perfect for people who have already lost mass and density in their jaw.
If you have any questions about what makes these the preferable choice to replace missing teeth, or if you’re ready to tackle the gaps in your smile, then contact our team today.
DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT OUR IMPLANTS?
A long-lasting and lifelike solution to your missing teeth is possible with implant dentistry. To learn more about our advanced and durable dental implants, then call James Stewart, DDS, dental implant office in Livonia, MI, at (734) 425-4400. We also serve the residents of Farmington, Plymouth, Dearborn Heights, and all surrounding communities.