Going to the dentist can be a nervous experience and when that dentist starts talking about dental implants, there can be a sense of mild panic. According to expert Mesa dentist Dr. Metz “Missing teeth can cause shifting of remaining teeth; resulting in bite changes and jaw problems as well as bone loss. Over time this can lead to changes in a person’s face; including wrinkles at the mouth’s corner.” Dental implants might sound a bit scary but they can help solve several problems. So, what are they and what do they do?
How dental implants work
Dental implants are small metal posts or frames that are positioned surgically into the jawbone under the gums. Once they have been put in place, the dentist can then use them to mount teeth. Being fused to the jawbone makes implants and the teeth added to them very strong and stable. This means that dentures and bridges won’t move around in your mouth or slip when you speak or eat. It also creates a more natural feel to everything from individual crowns to full dentures than those put in place without implants.
Sometimes implants are required to add bridges and dentures due to the shape of the mouth. There might be sore spots or poor ridges that mean bridges can’t be added without the use of implants. Sometimes ordinary bridges are used alongside those added to implants in order to replace missing teeth.
Having implants
If your dentist tells you that you need this kind of work doing, then you must also be aware that there is a requirement to have good oral health afterwards to keep them in top working condition.
Once you speak to an expert in dental implants Cornwall or wherever you live, they will assess your bones and gum health to ensure they are in good enough condition to support the implants. Then, one the implants are in place, you will need to keep up meticulous oral hygiene and have regular visits to the dentist to ensure that everything is in good condition.
Other types of implants
There are other, less commonly used types of implants that can be used to deal with additional problems. For example, if the dentist says that you have lost bone in the jaw surrounding a lost tooth, then a special implant might be used to augment the bone. Sometimes the bone simply isn’t tall or wide enough so a bone graft is used to create the space needed for the implant.
Another type of implant is called a sinus lift. This reduces the size of the cavity above the back teeth on the upper jaw and is used if the upper jaw doesn’t have enough space for implants to be placed on it.
These procedures are carried out by experts in dental implants so always ensure the dentist you are using offers such a service and can give you a free consultation on the nature of the problem.
