Trauma to the mouth area, old age, decay, and other problems with your oral health could all result in tooth loss if left untreated. A space in your jawbone could be the gateway to infection that, in turn, could cause more severe dental issues later on. Depending on your exact circumstances, your dentist here at Lakeside Dentistry in Yakima, WA, Dr. Karen Tritinger-Young, or Dr. Steven Kitts, could offer various solutions to keep your dental health in check.
One of these options is dental implants. If you’re missing a tooth or two, but have healthy gums and a strong jawbone, implants will work to help rebuild your smile.
Dental Implants: What Are They?
Dental implants are sturdy and permanent options for addressing tooth loss. This low-maintenance teeth replacement solution doesn’t require any special care. You simply care for an implant as you would your real teeth and you can expect them to last you a lifetime. The primary purpose of an implant is to serve as a synthetic tooth root to a replacement tooth, which is a dental crown or a dental bridge with a crown.
For multiple missing teeth, implants can be utilized in conjunction with dentures. The replacement tooth will be connected to the abutment that’s anchored to the jawbone through the surgically placed implant. The implant will then fuse with the jawbone gradually, stabilizing and securing the replacement tooth and creating a durable and permanent solution.
Osseointegration: The Key to Dental Implant Success
A process called osseointegration is the main reason why implants are so long-lasting, durable, and stable. Basically, it’s a process by which implants permanently bond with the jawbone and surrounding tissues, making them permanent fixtures in your mouth. Dental implants are typically created from titanium since this metal can osseointegrate with living tissues.
This means that you will need healthy gums and jawbone to make certain that osseointegration will be successful. Otherwise, your dentistry professional in Yakima, WA, will recommend extra procedures such as gum disease treatment or a bone graft before you can undergo dental implantation surgery. While the entire procedure will take several months, keep in mind that your results can last forever.
Interested in Dental Implants? Reach Out to Us
Arrange an appointment here at Lakeside Dentistry in Yakima, WA, with your dentistry professional by dialing 509-494-0121.