We spend a great deal of time talking about how incredible dental implants are on this blog. But nothing can impress you until you understand exactly what dental implants are. This week’s blog post from our Oakland dentist introduces new patients to dental implants and their role in restorative dentistry. If you’re missing a tooth and considering ways you can replace it, read on to gain an understanding of these stabilizing root replacements.
Oakland Dentist Answers Common Questions about Dental Implants
- What do dental implants do? Dental implants replace missing tooth roots by creating new tooth structure below the gum line. This tooth root then supports accompanying dental restorations to create an entire new tooth (both root and crown).
- What are dental implants made of? Dental implants are made of titanium, a material that fuses with the jaw bone over time. This allows the dental implant to become fully stable and feel like a natural part of your mouth.
- What is the dental implant procedure like? Your implant surgery will be performed in our office; you needn’t visit an oral surgeon. During your dental implant surgery, you will be sedated and receive local anesthesia to numb the site. Our Oakland dentist will make a small incision in your gums and place the implant so that it touches your jaw bone. We will then suture the area. You will need a period of time to heal before we bond an accompanying restoration.
- How long do dental implants last? With proper care and bone density to support them, dental implants can last a lifetime. Once they successfully fuse with your jaw bone, they are a part of your mouth.
- What restorations can be paired with dental implants? Most restorations work with dental implants! Crowns, bridges, and dentures can all be bonded to an abutment over a dental implant. The restorations will look and feel natural, thanks to their stability.
If you have any other questions about dental implants, please get in touch with us! They can make a remarkable difference in your life.