The use of dental implants has been increasing in the United States over the last decade for a good reason. They are more convenient than other tooth replacement options like dentures, and implants have a high success rate. But are they safe for everyone, and what are the risks of getting dental implants? Lovett Dental Jersey Village can guide you through the process.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are posts that a dental surgeon embeds into the jawbone to serve as a prosthetic tooth root. A natural tooth consists of a:
- Crown
- Neck
- Root
Dental implants are the first leg of providing you with a replacement tooth made up of the same primary segments. The implant itself is the root. Once in place, the Lovett Dental Jersey Village dentist will attach an abutment to serve as the neck as well as an artificial crown, which will most likely be custom made to fit your mouth.
What Are the Different Types of Implants?
The most common form of implant is made out of titanium, a very strong metal. Titanium is what dentists called a biocompatible material, which means your body will treat it the same as it does a natural tooth root.
Once embedded into the jawbone, new bone will form around the post to stabilize it. Also, titanium is lightweight and durable. It tends to resist corrosion, too.
Some people prefer to use zirconia, a type of ceramic, for dental implants. Unlike titanium posts, they are the same color as tooth enamel, so possibly more aesthetically pleasing. They also work well for those who have a metal sensitivity.
What Are the Benefits of a Dental Implant?
For many people, the option to get a dental implant is a matter of convenience and appearance. The combination of an implant, abutment, and crown looks very much like a natural tooth. They also act like normal teeth. You can eat most foods, for example, and brush them the same way you do natural teeth.
Having implants fuse to the jawbone can reduce the risk of bone loss, too. The bone helps stabilize the implant, but the dental implant also helps to stabilize the bone.
The alternative to an implant is a bridge or denture. Those tend to be less natural-looking and more challenging to clean. You must remove them overnight, brush them separately, and usually soak them in solution.
Are Dental Implants Safe?
Dental implants are one of the safest forms of tooth replacement. With an implant, you don’t have some of the health problems associated with dentures and bridges like mouth sores or irritation.
Most dental patients are good candidates for implants, as well. The only real exceptions are children and those with health conditions that might make the implants unsafe, such as diseases that compromise the immune system.
Finding the right dental practice is a critical part of ensuring the safety of dental implants. Lovett Dental Jersey Village offers multidisciplinary services that include different forms of specialty care like:
- A maxillofacial surgeon
- An endodontist
- A periodontist
These three specialties might be critical in ensuring safe dental implants. Lovett Dental Jersey Village also has a pediatric dentist on hand as well as an orthodontist.
Get Your Dental Implants at Lovett Dental Jersey Village
Our dental specialists at Lovett Dental Jersey Villiage believe that a comprehensive practice can provide services for the whole family. You can bring your kids to the office for their six-month check-up on the same day you get yours, for example. All insurance types are available, and there are even payment plans.
There is no reason you can’t have a bright, beautiful smile even if you suffer from tooth loss. Dental implants are safe for most people and have a high success rate. Give us a call today at Lovett Dental Jersey Village at 281-890-5002 to find out more.