When a tooth is missing, an implant can be a great choice to replace it. An implant is a small dental post made from titanium and used to replace the roots of the missing tooth. This post supports a custom-made dental crown which acts as the visible tooth. An implant can prevent numerous problems from developing including shifting teeth, trouble keeping teeth clean, loss of jawbone tissue, grinding and clenching, and pain in the jaw joints.
If a tooth is missing, the jawbone and gum tissue surrounding the gap starts to shrink due to lack of stimulation. A missing tooth can also affect the person’s bite, change how a person chews food. Neighboring teeth also start to shift towards each other, into space, and the opposite tooth starts to extend out of the socket. This shifting creates hard to clean spots surrounding the teeth where plaque and bacteria can build up. This buildup can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Issues with the bite can also put pressure on the shifted teeth, and it can lead to grinding and clenching, even TMJ disorders.
Implants usually take three visits to the place. During the initial visit, the post is installed in the jawbone. Before the second visit takes place, several weeks are allowed to pass so the titanium post can fuse with the jaw. When the second visit does arrive, a component called an abutment will be attached to the top of the implant. An impression of this gap will be made and sent to a lab where the crown will be made. When the crown is ready, the final visit will be used to attach the crown to the abutment.
While the crown is an artificial tooth, patients will still need to brush and floss around the crown. This ensures that food particles, plaque, and bacteria are cleaned so that gum disease doesn’t develop. Gum disease can cause the implant to loosen, so keeping them clean is an important part of maintaining their integrity.
Dental implants are designed to last a lifetime, as long as patients practice good oral care habits. It is also important to undergo routine dental exams at least twice a year.
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