Your smile is one of your most important social assets. If you have less-than-perfect teeth, you can easily become self-conscious — if you have major, visible problems with your teeth (e.g. missing teeth, decayed teeth, severely discolored enamel), the psychological strain can become quite a burden. For many with extreme dental problems, implants can seem like the perfect solution. Here a few common questions about implants to help you make up your mind.
“Who needs dental implants?”
If your teeth are damaged all the way down to the root — where the root itself is no longer viable — you can benefit from dental implants. An implant serves as a complete tooth replacement, from the root up, so that you can regain the full function of your teeth, and not be restricted by diet or concerned about your appearance.
“What are implants made of?”
The dental implants dentists use are made of titanium, a very strong, light metal that rarely causes any kind of immune reaction. Titanium is the metal of choice for implants in any part of the body, from hips to joints to the skull itself.
“How do they work?”
The titanium post is surgically inserted into you jawbone, deep into the socket where your natural root used to be. Over a period of six-to-twelve weeks, the jawbone heals around the post, holding it tightly in place. Once the healing is complete, and the new root can withstand the forces generated by the jaw muscles, a false tooth is installed on top of the implant.
“How many teeth can be replaced in this way?”
An implant can hold a single tooth or multiple teeth. An entire set of dental partials can be placed on as little as four implants, depending on the strength and thickness of the jawbone at key points. Dental partials can also be removable or permanently fixed to the implants. Helpful info also found here.