Dental implants are a common dental procedure for replacing missing or broken teeth. They are placed in your jaw and can look, feel, and function like natural teeth. Modern implants have been a staple treatment of dentistry for over 30 years. Below, we will discuss some of the more frequently asked questions about them.

What Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is more than just a replacement tooth. Rather, it is a three-part prosthetic. The first part, the post, is a screw-like piece made of titanium alloy. The post is placed into your jawbone and acts like the root of your tooth. Next, the dentist will attach the abutment to the post. The abutment connects the post to the third piece, the crown. The crown is a custom-made artificial tooth. It crown matches your teeth and fits properly into your mouth.

Am I a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

Generally, if you are missing one or more teeth, and have a fully-grown jawbone, you may be a candidate for dental implants. Dental implants are not usually the best option for children and young adults whose jawbone may still be developing. Your dentist can help you determine if the treatment is right for you.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

Because dental implants do not decay or succumb to dental diseases, they can last throughout your life. However, maintaining healthy gums after implant placement is necessary to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment. Good oral care at home along with routine care with your dentist is important to ensure sustainability.

When Would I Need a Dental Implant?

After losing a permanent tooth, the adjacent teeth will start to shift. A dental implant can act as its replacement and prevent shifting. Although never guaranteed as we are dealing with the human body, dental implants can last a lifetime and fix the gap in your smile. Gain your confidence back, and chew like normal.

How Successful Are Dental Implant Procedures?

For healthy people with good oral hygiene, the success rate can be about 95%. Co-morbidities and poor oral health can reduce this success rate slightly, but overall, it can still be effective. Good gum health is essential to the overall success of the treatment.

Why is the Post Made Of Titanium?

In 1952, Dr. Branemark, a Swedish orthopedic surgeon, discovered that titanium naturally fuses to bones. While originally researching hip and knee care, he eventually shifted his research to oral care. Since then, titanium has been an important part of surgical care in many aspects of surgical care throughout the body.

Are There Metal-Free Dental Implants?

There are no metal-free types of implants for teeth. This is because of the overall effectiveness of titanium alloy. Titanium is highly biocompatible, which is why doctors use it in dental, hip, knee, and spinal surgeries. Additionally, titanium allergies are incredibly rare, so it is a very safe material for the procedure.

Does My Implant Come Out Like a Set of Dentures?

No, implants stay fixed into the bone. This allows replacement teeth to be as close to natural teeth as possible.

A Center for Dental Excellence does not provide medical or healthcare advice via articles. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only. It is not intended to
provide, and should not be relied on for medical advice.
A Center for Dental Excellence provides expert dental care to the Brooklyn and Staten Island communities we serve. To schedule an appointment or consultation, contact us or call the office you would like to visit. (718) 232-8289 for Brooklyn, and (718) 980-9555 for Staten Island.