If you have one or more missing teeth, your dentist may suggest several options to fix the issue, such as dentures and bridges. However, dentures tend to be best for people who are missing several teeth and those who don't have adequate jaw bone support. Otherwise, you may be a candidate for a dental implant. Take a look at what it is and the benefits of choosing this form of restorative dental work. 

Commonly Asked Questions Regarding Dental Implants

What are dental implants?

A dental implant is a titanium post that resembles a screw, and it's placed directly into the jawbone and fuses with it. A dentist will then attach an abutment on top of the screw, which will connect to the artificial tooth. The artificial tooth is typically a crown, but a dentist can also use a bridge or a partial denture. 

Because it's implanted directly into the bone, a dental implant is not removable like dentures, and they more closely resemble and feel like your natural teeth. 

What are the benefits of dental implants?

A missing tooth can severely affect your oral health. Your other teeth may start to shift toward the gap in an effort to fill in, which will also affect your bite. Additionally, you'll lose bone support and your jaw may weaken. If you have several missing teeth, a weakened jaw will cause your face to look sunken. 

A dental implant can prevent these issues from occurring. Best of all, because implants are permanent and look like real teeth, you can care for them just as easily. You can brush and floss as normal—as opposed to removing dentures that need to be soaked overnight. 

What is the success rate of the procedure?

Dental implants are performed with a 90%-95% success rate for individuals with good oral health. Keep in mind that the procedure can take multiple visits over a period of several months. If you don't have strong bone support, you may need bone grafting surgery first. Then, your dentist will place the implant, followed by the abutment and artificial tooth. Your mouth will need time to heal in between each procedure. 

Are there metal-free options?

Unfortunately, no. All implants contain at least some metal ions, as they are made from titanium alloy. That is because titanium alloy is extremely bio-compatible, which means it fuses with the body to form permanent bonds. 

If you think you may be a good candidate for dental implants, the dentists at Riviera Dental Care are prepared to give you a beautiful smile. For years, residents in the greater Foley, AL, area have trusted them to provide dedicated and compassionate dental work. Their wide range of services includes teeth whitening, veneers, dental implants, sedation dentistry, and root canal therapy. Call (251) 943-3368 or visit their website for more information.