Dental Implants Can Keep Replacement Teeth In Place

A dental implant allows your dentist to keep a replacement tooth firmly in place. The implant is lodged to your jaw bone, and acts as a root for your prosthetic. A dental implant offers stability, and mimics the function of a natural tooth root. It is important to seek a replacement if you lose even a single tooth. A lost tooth can interfere with your chewing and speaking, and can leave you more susceptible to further tooth loss. A dental implant can secure a single replacement tooth, as well as offering stability to dental bridges and dentures.

Receiving A Dental Implant

A dental implant consists of two parts – the implant itself, and the replacement tooth. The implant is a small post, constructed from titanium, which your dentist inserts into your jaw bone. After the implant has been inserted, you can receive the replacement tooth, which is placed onto the implant. If you need to replace several teeth, or need a set of full dentures, multiple dental implants can be inserted, to keep a larger prosthetic stable. For patients who lack bone density in their jaw to support a dental implant, a mini dental implant may be a proper substitute.

Other Options For Replacement Teeth

A dental bridge can be held firmly in place without the use of dental implants. To secure a dental bridge, your dentist will place a crown on each of the teeth surrounding the missing tooth. Once these crowns are in place, a dental bridge can be set between them, with the crowns effectively holding the bridge in its proper position.