Dental Implants

Dental implants are artificial teeth that mimic the function and appearance of your natural teeth. They are a great option if you have lost one or more teeth and want a durable restoration. At Mission Creek Family Dentistry, there are two types of dental implants: endosteal and subperiosteal. Endosteal implants are placed within the jawbone and have an oral prosthetic component and an abutment. Subperiosteal implants are placed over the jawbone and do not depend on the bone for support, making them a popular option for patients with a shallow jawbone. Both types of dental implants can be used for single missing teeth or to secure a full-arch oral prosthesis.

Why Are Dental Implants a Good Option?

For several reasons, implants are one of the most popular options for replacing missing teeth. Unlike removable dentures, which must be removed for cleaning, dental implants provide a permanent tooth replacement option. The implant post is surgically placed into the jawbone, where it naturally fuses to the bone through a process known as osseointegration. Once the healing is complete, the implant is restored with a dental crown or bridge to restore functionality and aesthetics. Dental implants can replace a single missing tooth, several consecutive missing teeth, or even an entire arch of missing teeth.

In addition to being permanent, dental implants are also highly stable due to the anchor effect provided by the implant post. This prevents shifting, slipping, and other common problems with traditional dentures. This also means that patients need not worry that their restoration will impact their speech. Finally, dental implants look, feel, and function like natural teeth. Patients can generally brush and floss their teeth without special tools or aids. Moreover, they do not have to worry about dietary restrictions or other lifestyle changes that may not be necessary with alternative restorations such as dentures.

The Dental Implants Procedure

A dental implant is a small screw or post placed into the jaw bone during a minor oral surgery, generally under local anesthesia. Once in place, the implant fuses with the bone and becomes a good anchor for an artificial tooth. Implants can be used to support one missing tooth or a variety of replacements. The artificial teeth attached to implants are called crowns. Because implants fuse to the jawbone, they prevent the jawbone deterioration that often occurs when a tooth is missing. This not only prevents further tooth loss but also helps to maintain the structure of your face and allows patients to have a longer-lasting option than dentures.

Only patients with healthy gums and enough bone in the jaw are typically good candidates for dental implants. Patients with insufficient jaw bone density may need bone grafting before receiving their implants.

Dental implants can be used to replace any number of missing teeth and offer patients a permanent solution to tooth loss. Visit Mission Creek Family Dentistry at 9460 Cuyamaca St # 101, Santee, CA 92071, or call (619) 596-1128 to learn more about dental implants.