Dental implants replace missing teeth or teeth that need to be removed due to decay, injury, or disease. At Merrillville Dental Center, a dental implant comprises three parts: the titanium post, an abutment, and a dental crown. The implant acts as an artificial tooth root surgically placed in the jawbone to anchor the restoration. The post mimics the tooth’s root and fuses with the bone in an osseointegration process that allows the implant to provide the same stability as a natural tooth. Once the post has healed, the abutment is placed on top of the post, which allows the dental crown to be attached. This restorative option looks and acts just like a natural smile, allowing you to regain confidence in your smile and eat and speak normally.
Types of Dental Implants
Endosteal Implants
The endosteal implant is the most common type of dental implant, and it includes a metal screw or post inserted into the jawbone. This post will act as the tooth’s new root, eventually fusing with the bone in osseointegration. Once this occurs, your oral surgeon can place an abutment on top of the post. An abutment is a connector that will hold the crown in place. Your oral surgeon may often provide a temporary crown for you to wear while your gums heal from this procedure.
Subperiosteal Implants
The subperiosteal implant is a dental implant placed on top of the jawbone through the gum tissue or bone. This type of implant is less common because it is technically challenging to perform and, therefore, more costly. However, many dentists offer this option if other procedures are unsuitable. Subperiosteal implants are often chosen by patients who cannot wear dentures and do not want to undergo bone grafting.
The Advantages of Dental Implants
The implant is fused to the jawbone and capped with a dental crown. This eliminates any gaps and prevents the need for a removable denture. Unlike dentures, implants do not move or shift inside the mouth.
Since implants are surgically placed directly into the gums, they stimulate the bone and allow it to remain strong and healthy. Many patients also find that dental implants eliminate the social stigma of missing teeth. No one can tell if you are missing a tooth or two with dental implants.
Dental implants offer the same function as your natural teeth. Get in touch with Merrillville Dental Center at 303 W. 89th Ave, Suite E-2, Merrillville, IN 46410, or call (219) 755-0045 to learn more about dental implants.
