Do You Need Dental Implants?

by | May 6, 2015 | Cosmetic Dentistry, Missing Teeth

For many patients, tooth loss can sadly feel like a permanent condition – teeth don’t grow back, and temporary solutions such as removable dentures and bridges don’t always feel or act like real teeth. Luckily, another option exists that can provide a long-term or even permanent solution to tooth loss. Dental implants are artificial teeth that are permanently embedded into the jawbone. When properly designed and implanted, dental implants are equal to, and in some ways even better, than your real teeth, as they cannot develop cavities and do not require the removal of material from healthy teeth or gums during installation. According to the American Dental Association, dental implants are “one of the biggest advances in dentistry in the past 40 years.”

Two Types Of Implants

There are two types of dental implants: endosteal implants, which are implanted directly into the jawbone, and subperiosteal implants, which are implanted on top of the jawbone. Endosteal implants are more common, while subperiosteal implants are normally reserved for patients with a shallow jawbone. Your dental professional will determine the best type of implant and how it should be implanted. The most important factor when considering dental implants is the state of your overall health. Patients who are generally healthy, especially patients with healthy gums, are usually good candidates for dental implants – this is true regardless of age. Although dental implants don’t develop cavities, it is still important to keep your implant clean and care for it as you would your other teeth.