What Are Dental Implants?

What are dental implants?

Dental implants, invented by Swedish orthopedic surgeon Per-Ingvar Branemark in the 1950s, are a common procedure for people who have lost teeth for one reason or another. They are placed into your jaw in order to help replace missing teeth or to support bridges and dentures. 

How do dental implants work?

There are two types of implants, endosteal and subperiosteal. Endosteal, or “in the bone”, implants are the most commonly used type of implant. These include screws, cylinders or blades surgically placed into the jawbone to hold prosthetic teeth. Subperiosteal, or “on the bone”, implants are placed on top of the jaw with the metal framework’s posts protruding through the gum to hold the prosthesis.

What are the advantages of dental implants?

Dental implants may be a great option for people who have lost one or more teeth, and they have many advantages as a supported restoration. When compared to traditional bridges and dentures, a dental implant behaves much more like a natural tooth root. Bridges and dentures can wear bone down over time but implants channel functional pressures into the bone, sparing it from damage. Implants help to improve and maintain healthy bone, which means better support for chewing and speaking and a more natural-looking result.

How to dental implants work with orthodontic treatment?

Both dental implants and orthodontic treatment can be used to improve a patient’s smile. In some cases, they are used in conjunction. Some people will start with the implants during their treatment plan, while others will receive them after their orthodontic work is complete. Both an orthodontist and an oral surgeon will evaluate each patient on a case-by-case basis to determine the most appropriate sequencing.

How affordable are dental implants?

Many patients first question about dental implants deals with the cost of treatment. If you are fearful of the cost of treatment, you are not alone! Fortunately, many insurance companies now cover the cost of implant-based restorations. When that is not the case, most dental practices offer convenient payment plans to help you pay over a period of time instead of all at once.

Contact Carter Orthodontics today to learn more about dental implants and orthodontics today.