Dental implants are structures that dentists use to fix a person’s missing teeth. The implant is screwed into the jawbone, and attached, through a device called an abutment, to an artificial tooth called a crown.

Procedure

The dental surgeon custom makes the crown to be a perfect fit and color of your teeth and mouth. This is because the crown is intended to appear, feel, and be used as natural teeth.

The difference between implants and dentures is that dentures are removable, while implants are not. Implants feel more comfortable and natural, achieve better chewing motions, reduce the risk of cavities and sensitivities forming in neighboring teeth and bone, and do not need to be taken out and cleaned every night.

Types

There exists two dental implants; subperiosteal and endosteal. The most popular type is endosteal, which is set into the jawbone, and each implant holds one or more artificial teeth. Subperiosteal, on the other hand, is fixed on top of the jawbone as a result of the person not having enough height to their jawbone.

Contraindications

Dental surgeons advise that implants are not accessible for people who are undergoing chemotherapy, are HIV+, or have unhealthy bones.

Costs and Maintenance

Costs of the implants are varied and depend on the number of crowns, other procedures necessary for the implants to be successful, and the location of the implants. To maintain the implants, regular brushing and flossing are advised. This should include visits to the dentists every six months.