Advances in Dental Research and Technology Are Fascinating

When you have missing teeth, it can affect your confidence. Luckily, there are many options available for replacing missing teeth. One popular option is a dental implant. Dental implants are expensive, but they are worth the price because of the many benefits. If you aren't sure about dental implant oral surgery, check out these three facts you must know.

Implants Are Durable and Strong

An implant is an artificial tooth root made of titanium with a crown on top of it. Like a normal tooth root, it sits in your jawbone. Titanium is the metal of choice because it can fuse to bone. Therefore, overtime, the artificial tooth root becomes attached to the jawbone. This mimics the powerful hold of ligaments, which hold real teeth in place. This makes dental implants the most durable option for replacing missing teeth. With proper care, you may never need to replace your dental implant.

There are Multiple Types

Single implants are great if you have one missing tooth. A single implant fits between two healthy teeth like a real tooth, so you can floss between the teeth and the implant easily. If you have multiple missing teeth, getting several single implants is still an option, but you save money if you get an implant supported bridge. It's similar to a normal dental bridge, but it uses implants instead of teeth as anchors. These teeth are connected, so you'll need special floss to floss under the bridge. Lastly, if all your teeth are missing, there are implant-supported dentures. They are removable, but snap into place, making them stable.

You May Need a Bone Graft

Depending on how long your tooth or teeth have been missing, you may need a bone graft. Your jawbone needs to be healthy and dense to support an implant. Unfortunately, when you lose teeth, your jawbone shrinks because it has nothing to stimulate it. Therefore, to get your implant, the dentist may need to rebuild your jawbone. Bits of bone from other areas of your body or synthetic bone is used to help the jaw grow. Once the bone is strong, the implant can be placed, and because an implant stimulates the jawbone, it is the only tooth replacement option that prevents your jawbone from shrinking.

You don't have to hide your smile any longer because of missing teeth. There are many options to replace your missing teeth, but dental implants are the most durable option. If you would like more information regarding dental implants or other tooth replacement options, contact a dentist in your area today, such as at Central PA Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons LLC.