Dental implants can be used in multiple ways to replace missing teeth. They can be used as standalone applications when replacing a single tooth. However, they can also be combined with other devices, such as implant-supported dentures, to restore lost teeth. Here a few reasons that dental implants are often preferred:
Dental implants are stable.
Dental implants make great teeth-replacement applications because they rest as securely in the mouth as natural teeth. When a dental implant is installed, it is placed in the jawbone. There, it becomes integrated with the bone over the course of a couple of months. This integration process, which is known as osseointegration, allows an implant to become stabilized and capable of supporting substantial amounts of bite pressure.
This secure connection makes the implant suitable for a single tooth replacement, but it also makes it capable of holding a dental bridge or a denture in place. The crowns of a dental bridge can be placed over the implant in the manner that they cover a natural tooth. Likewise, implant-supported dentures can be connected to implants using a special attachment mechanism on the underside of the appliance. In some instances, the prosthetic arch of teeth is connected to implants using screws.
Dental implants stimulate the jawbone.
Dental implants provide jawbone stimulation to help preserve the density of the bone. When natural teeth are in place, bite pressure from the teeth is transferred to the bone of the jaw when you chew or bite. However, once a tooth is lost, the bone at the extraction site starts to shrink from lack of stimulation.
Since dental implants are installed within the bone, stimulation is still transferred as it is with a natural tooth.
Dental Implants can often be used even when there is poor jawbone density.
If your jawbone has atrophied, you may still be eligible for dental implants. A bone graft could be added to the reduced bone to increase its density. Also, special dental implants called zygomatic implants can be inserted directly into the zygoma or cheekbone, bypassing the jawbone altogether.
Zygomatic implants are usually a bit longer than traditional implants so that they can reach the cheekbone easily. As an added bonus, zygomatic implants can eliminate the need for a sinus lift procedure.
To learn more about dental implants and why they may work for you, schedule an appointment with a dentist in your local area.
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