Gaps in your smile can diminish your confidence and cause problems eating. Fortunately, dental implants are effective solutions to missing teeth for many people. If you’re curious about the procedure and want more information, here’s an overview to inform your conversation with a dentist.

What to Know About Dental Implants

What parts make up a dental implant?

An implant has a metal rod that acts as the tooth root. A dentist inserts this component into the jawbone during a surgical procedure to provide stability for the artificial tooth.

Attached to the rod is an abutment, which is the base for the visible portion of the implant. The final component is the crown, or the artificial tooth. All of these parts come together to form a durable structure that looks and bites like a natural tooth.

What benefits do implants offer?

Tooth roots stimulate bone tissue growth and regeneration. When you’re missing teeth, loss of jawbone tissue can occur. Implants have rods that act like roots, so they prevent this issue.

You also won’t be limited in what you can eat with implants. These permanent solutions can also make you more comfortable if you’re unhappy with your smile.

Am I a good candidate?

Most people missing one or a few teeth are good candidates for implants. Your dentist will evaluate your oral health during a consultation to ensure your gums and jawbone tissue can support these solutions. 

If you have untreated gum disease, your dentist may need to resolve it before proceeding with the surgery. If you lack healthy bone tissue, you can receive a bone graft to build up tissue prior to treatment. 

How should I maintain my implants?

During the recovery period, your dentist may recommend scheduling several checkups to ensure proper healing. After this time, you may only need to visit your dentist for biannual dental cleanings to protect your teeth from decay.

At home, care for implants just as you would for natural teeth. Brush twice a day and floss daily to safeguard your gums and teeth against bacteria.

If you want to find out whether you’re a good candidate for dental implants, turn to Four Corners Dental Group. With two locations in Alaska, they provide preventive, restorative, and cosmetic treatments in a relaxed and comfortable environment. Their friendly staff members have served the area for over 10 years. Learn more about their restorative services online. To schedule an appointment, call (907) 258-3384 to reach the Anchorage office, or contact the Wasilla clinic by calling (907) 376-2790.