Do Dental Implants Require Special Care?

dental implants ManhassetWith revolutionary technology and new techniques, patients with missing teeth have more treatment options than ever before. In the past, losing teeth likely meant a lifetime of struggling with ill-fitting dentures and the insecurities of a toothless smile. Fortunately, our implant dentist can restore missing teeth with biocompatible, permanent replacements that look and feel natural. Dental implants, unlike dentures or bridges, are firmly anchored in place below the surface of the gums so patients can enjoy complete oral function and durability.

The Components of a Dental Implant

A dental implant consists of two major parts. The first part is a titanium post that replaces a tooth’s root. This post resembles the appearance of a screw and is surgically implanted into the jawbone. Since it is made from titanium, the body treats the post like a natural, mineralized structure causing the jawbone to fuse around the implant through a process called osseointegration. This process stabilizes the implant so that patients enjoy a durable and stable anchor to their prosthetic tooth. The second component of a dental implant is a tooth-shaped crown, which is attached to the titanium post. This crown will fill in the missing space of the lost tooth above the gum line, providing a sturdy biting surface for chewing food. The crown can be made from materials that resemble a natural tooth such as porcelain or porcelain fused to metal. Once the crown is attached, a patient no longer has a visible gap in their smile and their prosthetics will appear natural to others.

Oral Hygiene with Dental Implants

Unlike removable prosthetics, which are sanitized with cleaning solutions, dental implants are treated like biological teeth. This means that patients with implants will brush and floss as normal. The materials used to make implants are resistant to harmful oral bacteria. Patients should practice thorough oral hygiene, though, because the gum tissue surrounding an implant is vulnerable to infection just like gum tissue supporting natural teeth.

If you have experienced tooth loss, we welcome you to schedule a consultation with our implant dentist, Dr. Gardner, to determine if dental implants are right for your needs. Call our practice today to set up your appointment.