What is a Dental Implant?
If you’ve lost teeth in an accident, or just out of weird luck, you’ve probably heard your Prosthodentist say the words “dental implant.” This may sound scary, but there’s nothing to fear. A dental implant is nothing more than a metal post or frame surgically implanted in the jawbone beneath your gums so that your Prosthodontist can mount replacement teeth to it. That sounds like dental implants do a lot, so how do they work?
What Dental Implants Do
The main job of dental implants is to support your new, artificial teeth. Being able to do this job means that your dental implants need to be fused to your jawbone in order to provide that support. Dentures and other artificial teeth mounted to your dental implant won’t shift in your mouth on their own accord, which is beneficial for when you are speaking or eating. Dental implants also make your artificial teeth feel more natural and real. Bridges, another type of artificial teeth, can only be put in place by attaching to teeth on either side of the missing spot. Dental implants don’t require adjacent teeth to be prepared or ground down in order to hold your new tooth in place.
Receive Dental Implants
Although dental implants seem like your saving grace, there are a few requirements before you can get them. First you must have healthy gums. Second, you must have an adequate jawbone to support the implant. If neither of things are right, the dental implants won’t work. After receiving dental implants, you must take extremely good care of them. Being meticulous with oral hygiene and having frequent dental visits will ensure that your dental implants continue to work smoothly. For more information on what dental implants are, call Advanced Prosthodontist today at (610) 865-4222 and speak to our highly-trained professional, Dr. Hersh.