Dental Implants

Are your missing teeth preventing you from eating the foods you like?

Dental implants are an increasingly popular and reliable solution for people who have lost one or more teeth due to injury, decay, or disease. Unlike traditional dentures or bridges, dental implants offer a permanent solution that looks, feels, and functions just like natural teeth. In this essay we'll explore the various types of dental implants, their process, advantages of having implants, and how to care for them properly.

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Types of Dental Implants

Dental implants come in two main varieties: endosteal and subperiosteal.

Endosteal Implants

Endosteal implants are the most popular type of dental implant. Made of titanium, they are placed directly into the jawbone and fuse with surrounding bone tissue through osseointegration - which takes several months. Once fully fused to the jawbone, an abutment connects to it serving as a support point for replacement teeth made from porcelain or ceramic.

Subperiosteal Implants

Subperiosteal implants are less common than endosteal ones and usually used when people do not have enough healthy jawbone tissue to support an endosteal implant. Instead of being placed directly into the jawbone, subperiosteal implants are placed beneath the gum tissue but above it. A metal framework attaches to this implant which holds your replacement teeth in place.

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Are you in the process of receiving dental implants?

Placing dental implants typically involves several steps.

• Consultation - The initial step in the implant process is a consultation with a dental professional. During this appointment, they will evaluate your oral health and take x-rays and impressions of your teeth and jawbone to assess if you are suitable for dental implants and create an individualized treatment plan.
• Implant Placement - Once you are determined a suitable candidate for dental implants, the next step is having them placed. This usually takes place under local anesthesia or IV sedation and involves making a small incision in your gum tissue and drilling a hole into your jawbone where the implant will go. Afterward, stitches will seal up any open spaces around the implant before it can be secured in place.
• Osseointegration - After your implant has been placed, it will take several months for it to fuse with nearby bone tissue through osseointegration. During this period of time, you must follow specific instructions from your dental professional in order to promote proper healing and ensure a secure fit for life.
• Abutment Placement - Once osseointegration has been achieved, the abutment can be attached to the implant. This typically requires making a small incision in the gum tissue and attaching the abutment securely onto the implant.
• Replacement Teeth - After your abutment has been placed, the final step is to attach replacement teeth. This typically involves taking a mold of your mouth and creating custom replacement teeth that fit seamlessly with your natural teeth.

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Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants offer numerous advantages for individuals seeking dental restorations.

There are numerous advantages to getting dental implants:

• Improved Aesthetic Appeal - Dental implants are created to look and feel just like natural teeth, giving you a more attractive smile that can boost your self-confidence.
• Improved Speech - Missing teeth can affect your ability to speak clearly, but dental implants can help by restoring your natural bite and preventing slurred speech.
• Improved Comfort - Dental implants are designed to fuse with your jawbone, making them much more comfortable than traditional dentures or bridges.
• Improved Function - Dental implants are designed to function just like natural teeth, giving you improved functionality. This means that you can enjoy all the advantages of natural teeth without the worry of extractions or discomfort associated with dentures.

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The greatest advantage of implants is that they are permanent. Unlike a denture or partial denture, it isn’t necessary to remove implants at night, and those with implants no longer have to worry about eating foods that will make their dentures slip. In addition, unlike a bridge, a dental implant can be brushed and flossed just like a natural tooth. At Monterey Dental Centre, we take the time necessary to fully discuss all of your options and assist you when making the best decision for your needs.

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