What Are Dental Implants?

Are you considering dental implants? If you’re missing a tooth or are scheduled to have a tooth extracted, your dentist has probably mentioned dental implants to you.

But what are dental implants, exactly?

Implants are a popular solution for missing teeth. They are a great way to regain confidence in your smile.

Parts of An Implant

Dental implants are made of three main parts: an artificial root, an abutment, and a crown. The root (or “post”) is inserted into the jaw, the crown sits on top of it, and the abutment joins the two pieces together.

1. Implant Post

   The post of a dental implant acts as an artificial tooth root. It is usually made of titanium. The post is surgically inserted into the jawbone, where it creates an “anchor” on which the rest of the implant can be mounted.

2. Abutment

   The abutment is a small connecting piece that joins the post and the crown. It is custom-fit for maximum comfort and effectiveness.

3. Crown

   The crown is the part of your implant that mimics the appearance of a natural tooth. This replacement tooth can be made to perfectly match your natural teeth. It is the most aesthetically important part of a dental implant.

Benefits of Implants

Dental implants protect your jawbone by preventing bone loss. When inserted into the jaw, implant posts simulate the jawbone in the same way that a natural tooth root does. This helps you maintain your facial structure over time.

Implants are also well-known for their comfort and natural appearance. As a permanent solution for missing teeth, they are the most popular way to enhance your smile and regain the ability to chew and speak like you’re used to.

Because of their polished appearance, dental implants can also provide a great confidence boost to people who are struggling with tooth loss.

So, what are dental implants? The technical answer is that they are a way to replace a missing tooth. But they represent so much more than that: comfort, confidence, and health, to name a few things!

Types of Implants

The exact kind of implant you should get depends on your needs. If you have significant bone loss in your jaw or don’t have enough jawbone to support a traditional implant, you can opt for a smaller variety of implant that better fits your mouth.

If you are missing many teeth, you can consider All-on-4 implants. These are made up of traditional implant posts plus a full arch of replacement teeth. The replacement teeth are mounted on the posts and can replace up to sixteen natural teeth.

Explore Your Dental Implant Options

Dental implants are growing in popularity, and it’s not hard to see why. They are a great way to protect the health of your jaw and mouth, restore your smile, and regain comfort.

Are you still wondering, “What are dental implants?” At Mesa Street Dental, we’re here to answer your questions. Whether you’re ready to schedule an appointment or want more information about implants, reach out to us today!