What to Know About Dental Implants

Whether you’re still thinking about getting dental implants in Lighthouse Point, FL, or you’re scheduled for implants in the near future, it’s helpful to know what to expect. One thing is for sure, and that is, dental implants are one of the most popular solutions for missing teeth. They represent tremendous advances in dental services, and they continue to improve to this day.

Understanding Dental Implants

The first thing you need to know is to understand what dental implants are. They are made up of three parts, and there’s only one part that’s an actual implant. There’s a titanium implant post. This is surgically implanted into the bone. The second piece is the abutment, which is connected to the implant post and the faux tooth or teeth.

The Importance of Bone Health

Since everything is literally based on the titanium implant post, bone health is crucial. Your dentist will carefully assess whether your bone can support the implant, in strength, quantity and density. If the bone is insufficient in these areas, the titanium implant post has a higher risk of failure.

How Dentists Rectify Poor Bone Health

If your bone health is determined to be less than ideal, you may still be able to get dental implants. Your dentist has several means available to rectify the situation. These are:

• bone graft
• sinus life
• ridge expansion
• platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF)

Each of these treatments has its own set of benefits and drawbacks, so your dentist will carefully determine which one is best suited for your situation.

Timing of Dental Implants

If you have suffered bone loss due to missing teeth, periodontal disease or other factors, your dentist might recommend one of the above treatments before implant placement. This may add several months to your treatment timing. After the actual implant surgery, time must pass. During this time, a process called osseointegration occurs. During this time, the implant fuses with the bone, creating a solid base for the artificial tooth. This step is crucial as it ensures the long-term stability and functionality of the implant.

The best source of information about dental implants is your Lighthouse Point, FL dentist. Contact Florida Dental Spa today to book your appointment!