What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are metal posts or frames that are surgically positioned into the jawbone beneath your gums. Once in place, they act as a support or anchor for a crown, or set of teeth.
Types of Dental Implants
Endosteal implants
These are typically shaped like a cylinder or screw and are surgically implanted directly into the jawbone. Once the surrounding gum tissue has healed, a second surgery is needed to connect a post to the original implant. This type of implant is the most popular option however the bone must have enough depth and width for it to be successful.
Subperiosteal implants
These consist of a metal frame that is fitted onto the jawbone underneath the gum line. As the gums heal, the frame becomes fixed to the jawbone. Posts, which are attached to the frame, protrude through the gums. Subperiosteal implants offer a great alternative for patients who do not have bone with sufficient depth or width to have endoesteal implants.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
Implants fuse to your jawbone, providing stable support for artificial teeth. dentures and bridges so they do not slip or shift in your mouth-an especially important benefit when eating and speaking. This secure fit helps the individual crowns, bridges or dentures placed over implant(s) - feel more natural than conventional bridges or dentures.
Implants offer an added advantage as no adjacent teeth need to be prepared or ground down to hold new replacement teeth in place.
To receive implants, you need to have healthy gums and adequate bone to support the implant. Meticulous oral hygiene and regular dental visits are critical to the long-term success of dental implants.
