Dental Implants
If you are missing one or more teeth, your dentist in Portland, OR has probably mentioned dental implants to you. Dental implants are a great option for replacing missing teeth.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are false teeth that are surgically implanted into your jawbone. Implants are designed to replace one, several, or all of your missing teeth. They also restore your ability to chew while improving your appearance.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
Dental implants consist of a small titanium and sometimes zirconia post. This post acts like the root of your natural tooth. The titanium post is surgically implanted into your jawbone which will then take several weeks to heal and about three to six months, depending on your situation, to fuse to your jawbone.
After your implant has fused with your jawbone and is supported by the surrounding gum tissue, a dental denture, bridge, or crown will be attached to the titanium post. This will then serve as a replacement for your missing tooth/teeth.
What Are the Three Types of Dental Implants?
There are three types of dental implants in Portland, OR.
1. Endosteal Dental Implants
These are the most common types of dental implants, and most people are eligible for endosteal implants. However, you must have healthy jawbones for this type of implant to properly fuse to the titanium post.
2. Subperiosteal Dental Implants
These are the preferred alternative to endosteal dental implants. Subperiosteal implants don’t involve surgical implantation. Rather, the post is attached to a metal frame that is placed under your gums. Then your gums will heal around that metal frame and your false teeth will be attached to the post. This option will only be recommended by your dentist in Portland, OR if you don’t have enough jawbone for an implant.
3. Zygomatic Dental Implants
These dental implants are rarely used due to them being an extremely complicated procedure. Zygomatic dental implants are placed in your cheekbone instead of your jawbone.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
- Restores your ability to chew.
- Keeps your jawbone from shrinking. If you have a missing tooth/teeth, your jawbone will shrink due to bone loss.
- Improves your appearance and quality of life.
- Keeps the gums surrounding your missing teeth healthy.
- Helps keeps your existing teeth more stable. If you have missing teeth, they will shift and become crooked, causing you to have problems with your bite.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants in Portland, OR will last on average about 25 years if you properly care for them. However, the titanium post itself can last a lifetime if you get regular dental checkups.
