Tooth implants or dental implants are permanent fake teeth that mimic the structure and function of your natural teeth. These are an excellent option for people who are looking for an alternative to bridgework or dentures that don’t fit well.
If you are one of the thousands of Americans who have missing teeth and are considering tooth implants to be able to smile with confidence once again, you probably have many questions in mind. Here, we’ll discuss some of the most frequently asked questions about dental implants.
What Is a Tooth Implant?
Tooth implants are used to replace missing teeth. The implant consists of a small post or fixture, an abutment, and a crown.
The post is made of titanium and is surgically inserted into the jawbone, where the roots of your missing tooth would normally go. An abutment is a connector that is attached to the top of the implant, and a crown is the tooth-shaped material that is attached to the connector and is what will be seen above the gum line.
Sometimes the abutment and crown are made into one piece and are fixed onto the post.
Are Tooth Implants Safe?
Dental implants are one of the safest and most reliable tooth replacements, because their components are made of biocompatible material that won’t harm body tissue, such as the titanium post. Titanium allergies are rare. If you have metal sensitivity, your dentist may suggest metal-free zirconia tooth implants.
What Is the Success Rate of Tooth Implants?
Tooth implants can effectively restore the look and function of your missing tooth in the long term. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association, tooth implants have a 95% success rate.
Am I a Candidate for a Tooth Implant?
To be a good candidate for a tooth implant, you must have an adequate amount of healthy jawbone tissue in order to reliably secure the tooth implant into the jawbone.
Children are not good candidates for a tooth implant because their jawbones are not fully developed. In addition, those with certain medical conditions that negatively impact healing are also not good candidates for tooth implants.
Your dentist can help you determine if dental implants are right for you.
Is the Procedure of Getting a Tooth Implant Painful?
You can expect a little pain and discomfort while getting dental implants. The level of pain and discomfort varies among individuals, but most people report feeling less discomfort during the procedure than they anticipated.
Your dentist will also administer anesthesia during the procedure and pain relievers for afterward to minimize any pain or discomfort.
What Are the Advantages of Dental Implants?
There are myriad advantages when it comes to dental implants. Some of these advantages include:
- Improved facial structure and appearance
- Improved confidence
- No need to worry about losing a removable bridge
- No need to worry about implant decay
- It’s a permanent solution to tooth loss
Tooth Implants Near Me in Eugene, OR
If you think you may be a candidate for a tooth implant and are looking for a reliable dentist to get the procedure done, look no further than Dr. Ari Binder at 360 Dental. Our highly trained and skilled family dentist will evaluate your teeth, gums, and mouth and suggest the best dental solutions for you.
If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment with our dentist, call today at (541) 689-1645 or fill out our online appointment request form now. We look forward to serving you!