Teeth can get damaged in many ways. Decay, trauma, aging process or other bone diseases can result in the damaged tooth or teeth being removed by dentists or they may fall out naturally. More than 69% of adults in the U.S. have a missing tooth and one among four senior adults over the age of 74 is missing all of the natural teeth. Missing teeth can impair the function of the oral cavity with difficulty in chewing or talking, not to mention the loss in confidence. With ads all over the place, it leads many people to ask “What are Dental Implants?” this is the reason Dr. Albert Chow would like to answer that question.
Dental implants are a popular choice
Earlier, dentures which were removable and dental bridges were the options to replace missing teeth. Dentures while being affordable were inconvenient as they affect the natural taste perception. Dental bridges are placed with the support of existing teeth.
Dental implants offer the most convenient way to provide a synthetic root for replacement of missing teeth and preserve the natural smile. They are a popular choice because they do not need the support of other teeth and do not affect taste perception unlike bridges or dentures.
Originally invented by Dr. Per-Ingvar Brånemark, a Swedish surgeon in 1952, dental implants have become a popular choice for replacing missing tooth or teeth.
At least 500,000 people reportedly get dental implants every year according to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. More than three million adults in the U.S. have dental implants currently.
A dental implant is usually made of titanium and is fixed into the jawbone where natural fusion takes place with the bone over a period of time. The implant becomes the synthetic root that then holds the tooth replacement of the missing tooth.
Types of dental implants:
Endosteal implant: Of the two types of implants, endosteal or in the bone implant is more commonly used. Cylinders, blades or screws are inserted into the jawbone surgically after the gum heals and each one of these can hold one synthetic tooth. These cylinders or screws can be made of metal, ceramic or a combination of both. These implants can be used to support the dentures and provide a comfortable fit.
Subperiosteal implant: Also known as the “on the bone” implant, these are positioned on the jaw instead of inside. These implants use a metal frame that is fixed just below the tissue of the gums. Small metal posts protrude from the metal frame to enable fixing of a prosthetic tooth. The gum tissue covers the metal framework. This type of implant is useful in patients who do not have adequate bone tissue to support endosteal implants.
All-on-4 implants: The latest in dental technology is the use of four implants to enable replacement of all of the missing teeth in upper or lower line.
Consulting Dr. Albert Chow as the best dental implant Malibu, Thousand Oaks, Camarillo or Simi Valley has on offer is the ideal way to understand which dental implant is suitable for you.
To find out more about dental implants at Model Smile Dentistry, use our online appointment form or call us at (805) 497-8588.
