What are Dental Implants? An Overview of Options & Benefits

If you’re exploring options to replace damaged teeth, then dental implants could be the perfect solution for you. These implants use a titanium post that temporarily acts like a natural tooth. On top of this post, a new tooth / bridge / denture is placed. This dental fixture provides a functional, aesthetically pleasing look.

If you have been considering getting an implant, then you can talk to a professional periodontist Northfield and go through the benefits and options available. Let’s dive deeper into the uses of dental fixtures and what makes them a great choice for a long-lasting impact.

What are dental implants?

To put it simply, dental implants are artificial roots placed under the gum that serve as a foundation for replacement teeth. These fixtures are created from titanium and are fused with your jawbone. Dental fixtures are known for providing a solid base for bridges or dentures. These implants then act like real tooth roots, and offer a more natural feel and function compared to removable appliances.

What are your dental implant options?

Dental implants can serve you in several ways, depending on how many teeth you’re missing and your bone and gum health:

• Single tooth replacement: In case only a single tooth is missing, then an implant can support a crown just like the real tooth.

• Multiple teeth replacement: When adjacent teeth are missing, two or more implants may support a bridge or multiple crowns.

• Full-arch solutions (All-on-4/6, upper/lower arch implants): For patients who are missing all teeth, several implants can secure a full denture or fixed restoration.

• Implant-supported dentures: If you already wear dentures but experience instability, implants can anchor your denture so it snaps or even screws into place, offering far more comfort and function.

During your consultation, a specialist like a periodontist Northfield will assess your jawbone volume, gum condition and overall health to determine which option fits you best.

What are the benefits of dental fixtures?

Why do many people and dentists prefer dental implants over bridges or traditional dentures? Here’s a breakdown of the key advantages:

• Feels like your natural tooth: Once placed and restored, implants feel and function very similarly to real teeth. Most people eventually “forget” they even have an implant.

• Preserves surrounding bone and teeth: Missing a tooth may result in bone loss in that area and shifting of neighboring teeth. Implants help preserve bone and maintain proper spacing and support.

• No need to change/alter adjacent teeth: Unlike bridges, which require grinding down healthy neighboring teeth, implants stand alone. This helps preserve your natural tooth structure.

• Long-term durability: With proper care and hygiene, implants can last many years and often much longer than other options.

• Better function and confidence: Implants allow you to eat, speak and smile with more stability. For denture wearers in particular, the move to implant support can feel life-changing.

Am I a candidate for dental implants?

If you are missing out on one or more teeth, then you are a potential candidate for an implant. However, some factors matter:

• Sufficient jawbone and gum tissue are required. If bone loss has occurred, grafting or other preparatory procedures may be needed.

• Good overall health helps. If you suffer from uncontrolled diabetes or smoking habits, then the success rate might be affected.

• Your commitment to good oral health and regular visits to your dentist.

• Realistic expectations about process and cost: Implant treatment may take longer and require more resources than traditional restorations.

Your specialist, such as the periodontist in Northfield you choose, will evaluate your unique case and guide you through options, timing and any preparatory steps.

Conclusion

When you are looking for tooth treatments in case of missing or damaged teeth, then dental implants can be an ideal solution. Due to the flexibility offered by implants, you can ask your periodontist Northfield for teeth replacement, denture stabilization, and other such solutions. Consulting an expert in the field will be a great step towards getting a dental fixture. After getting an implant, you can be assured of a long-term benefit with good care and regular check-ups.