Maybe it was years of rough food. Perhaps you did not brush in certain areas. Maybe decades of diabetes have compromised your jaw and gumline. Or it might just have been that disagreement during the hockey game. However it happened, your smile has a hole in it. Losing teeth is often a discouraging event, and many people don’t like the limitations that come with dental bridges or dentures. Thankfully, the Placerville Dental Group offers dental implants. But what are dental implants, and how do they differ from dentures or bridges?
The Root of the Issue
Most dentures are prosthetic teeth that take the place of missing teeth. They fit over the gum tissue. Dental bridges fasten artificial teeth to the original teeth on either side, filling the gap. Dental implants replace missing teeth with an artificial tooth attached to an artificial root — the implant screw. Your dentist installs these screwlike posts made of titanium into your jaw. The titanium then fuses to your jawbone. After time to heal, your dentist places artificial teeth on the exposed ends of the implants. The replacement teeth are now anchored in place, benefitting from solid support. Of course, it also means you won’t be getting rid of them once they are installed. While dentures and some bridges might be removable, and mounted on dental implants, the implants themselves are intended to be permanent, just like teeth and roots.
Counting the Cost of Dental Implants
Even though dental implants are typically more expensive than dentures or bridges, their durability is worth the difference. Keep in mind that getting dental implants is not a same-day procedure if you want it done properly and with the best chance of permanent success. Your dentist at the Placerville Dental Group thoroughly inspects your jaw and teeth, and then goes over all the options with you. Once a procedure is agreed upon, it often takes two or three more visits over several months to install the implants incrementally and allow your body to heal and adapt.
Implants are Worth the Wait
The end result is stunning — every time. Your dental implants integrate with your jaw, ready to hold up to every day chewing forces without any looseness, just like teeth. For more information on how dental implants could benefit you, please schedule a consultation with the Placerville Dental Group using our online form, discuss the issue with our friendly staff over the phone, or bring up the subject at your next scheduled checkup.
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