4 Questions to Ask about Dental Implants

Dental implants are permanent posts that are surgically implanted into the jawbone or skull where the roots of a tooth would typically be located, they are threaded and are typically made from titanium and sometimes ceramic. Once implanted, they will be used to support a dental prosthesis including a full dental bridge (several realistic-looking but false teeth), a single tooth, an orthodontic anchor, or a facial prosthesis. They are used to restore the functionality of the bite, allowing the patient to chew and speak normally while providing a very natural, beautiful appearance to their smile. There are multiple types of dental implants available that can be used depending on how many teeth need to be replaced or the overall health of the jawbone and surrounding gums. 

Patients who will be considered for receiving dental implants will include those who are missing one or multiple teeth, with the tooth loss being the result of significant tooth decay (cavities), a fracture to the root of the tooth, significant damage incurred due to frequent clenching or grinding of the teeth, damage incurred from an injury to the face, significant gum disease, or certain adult teeth never developing due to a congenital condition. Ideal candidates will need to be finished growing so that the jawbone is as large as it will get, with enough healthy jawbone tissues to sufficiently support the implants, and will have healthy gums. 

To receive dental implants, patients will also need to be able to maintain good oral hygiene habits to ensure that the implants are properly taken care of, and those who are smokers will need to be able to stop smoking. There are some medications or health conditions that may cause a patient to not be suitable to receive dental implants, but a consultation with a dental professional will help to determine whether the patient will be a good candidate for dental implants or if other options should be considered. 

Dental implants can provide many benefits for patients, both in function and aesthetics, with the primary benefits being improved functionality of the teeth and mouth, allowing for more comfortable eating and speaking. When compared to other dental treatment options, dental implants come with fairly easy recovery, allowing patients to quickly return to their daily activities and work within just a few days while experiencing minimal pain or discomfort. 

Having implants provided to replace lost or extracted teeth will significantly reduce the risk of other teeth being lost down the road as the implant helps to protect the surrounding teeth as well as the jawbone by preventing further bone loss. Dental implants are also very often preferred over dentures as with proper care they will be permanent, lasting an entire lifetime, are easy to maintain as long as the patient practices proper oral hygiene, and will allow for full function without any shifting or gapping that will typically occur with removable dentures.

The most commonly used types of dental implants include implant-supported bridges, implant overdentures, endosteal implants, subperiosteal implants, and All-on-4 dental implants. Implant-supported bridges are used when one or more teeth in a row are missing, providing a natural appearance with a row of false teeth that are all connected being attached along the bite to reduce pressure being placed on one specific area. Implant overdentures are similar to dental bridges in that they are typically multiple teeth connected and are placed over implants to provide options for those who still have most of their natural teeth intact. 

Endosteal implants are the most common type of dental implant and use a small titanium root placed into the jaw bone to hold the implant in place. Subperiosteal implants are similar to endosteal implants but are placed above the jaw bone, just below the gums. All-on-4 dental implants are a more permanent option for those who need all of the teeth along the upper or lower arch replaced, with four implants being attached to the jaw bone and the entire set of teeth being attached to those implants. 

At Four Corners Dental Group, dental implants provide you with a confident, comfortable, long-lasting, and healthy smile. They are just like your actual teeth in the way they fit, feel, and work. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 3901 Raspberry Rd, Anchorage, AK 99502. We serve patients from Anchorage AK, Basher AK, Campbell AK, Spenard AK, Midtown AK, and surrounding areas.