How Exactly Do Dental Implants Work?

Dental implants work by replacing the foundation, your roots, and giving replacement teeth something to connect with to ensure that they stay in your mouth. Dental implants are typically used when people have missing teeth, need additional denture support, or have a failed root canal and need another option.

Why Choose Dental Implants?

Choosing dental implants is typically one of the best choices that a patient can make when it comes to replacing missing teeth or severely damaged teeth that must be entirely removed. Dental implants are designed to fit like a natural tooth and feel natural within the patient’s mouth. Dental implants also have a high success rate of 98% according to WebMD.

Two Types of Dental Implants

There are two types of dental implants that patients can receive: endosteal implants and subperiosteal implants. Endosteal implants take the implant and surgically place it in the jawbone. After surgery, the new replacement tooth or denture is attached to the dental implant. Subperlosteal implants are placed on the jawbone and are made out of metal. Both types of dental implants offer a secure fit for replacement teeth.

Saying Goodbye to Dentures

Many older patients choose dental implants as a way to get rid of their dentures. Dentures can be frustrating because they can slide around the mouth when patients are talking and eating. Dentures can also be uncomfortable. Dental implants avoid this discomfort because they are attached to the jawbone and do not slide. Patients enjoy the natural feeling of implants. Our team is committed to providing you with the best possible dental care and that includes finding the most comfortable and best cosmetic dental options.

Natural Teeth for a Natural Smile

Many patients are also interested in dental implants because they offer the most natural look. Dental implants closely resemble natural teeth and in fact, are the closet option when it comes to replicating natural teeth. Dental implants also do not require dentists to make any changes to existing nearby teeth. For example, replacing teeth with a dental bridge forces dentists to grind down nearby teeth in order to place the bridge over the new replacement tooth and the existing natural tooth. Dental implants solely affect the missing tooth and does not negatively impact the surrounding teeth.

Who is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

The best candidates for dental implants are patients who have a missing tooth or missing teeth, but still have good oral health and good gum tissue according to the American Academy of Periodontology. Because dental implants must attach directly to the gum and act as bone, patients need to have strong, healthy gums and enough adjacent bone to help support the dental implant. Patients with poor oral health, little jawbone, or periodontal diseased gums are not good candidates for dental implants in most cases.

For more information about dental implants, please call Rocky Mountain Smiles directly at 970-667-1293. We would love to speak with you about your dental implant concerns and answer any questions that you may have about the dental implant process. We offer a variety of dental services to keep your mouth in great shape.