Discover more about dental implants and how they work to replace your missing tooth.
Countless people dealing with tooth loss are enjoying a healthy and full smile again with dental implants. While there are certainly other restorative options to choose from, dental implants offer a variety of unique benefits that other treatments can’t. Our Braintree, MA dentists are here to provide a little information about what makes a dental implant work and how it can last you the rest of your life if cared for properly.
What is an implant?
This metal post is pretty impressive. It acts similarly to real tooth roots and is placed into the jawbone by our Braintree general dentist. Implants are usually made from titanium because they are biocompatible, meaning that the body won’t normally reject it. Once the implant is surgically placed into the jawbone we will give your mouth a couple months to heal.
During the healing stage, the bone and tissue will grow around the implant. Once this is complete, the implant will now become a permanent part of the jawbone.
What is an abutment?
The abutment looks like a tooth that has been prepared for a dental crown. An abutment is placed on top of the implant and serves one purpose: to connect the implant under the gums with a dental restoration (the visible portion of the implant).
Sometimes the abutment is already part of the implant and so this step won’t be necessary, but many traditional dental implants will still require us to secure the abutment separately.
What is a dental crown?
The dental crown we use to cover an implant is the same restoration used to cover over a damaged tooth. Each crown is custom made to fit your smile. Once your mouth has healed after the abutment has been placed we can then cement the crown over the abutment.
Of course, if you need to replace multiple missing teeth, several implants can be placed in the jawbone to support dental bridges or dentures.
No other dental restoration boasts as long a life as a dental implant. If you want to find out if you are a good candidate for dental implants, call George Salem and Associates in Braintree, MA today!