Dental implants are a great way to reshape your smile. If you’ve ever had to deal with loose or severely damaged teeth, you know how harmful its effects can be. But with dental implants, you no longer have to worry. Be it for aesthetic purposes or daily use, implants can be an incredible boost to your self-esteem. Although, despite their various benefits, people still tend to wonder how exactly dental implants work.
If you’re on the same page, look no further. In this blog, we’ll tell you all about dental implants, their lifespan, and how they work.
What are Dental Implants?
Besides a miracle, dental implants are fake teeth made out of a titanium base. However, despite being ‘fake,’ implants not only look like real teeth, but they act like them too.
Since titanium is a biocompatible metal, it molds with your gums perfectly, making it a permanent fix. So, no matter how hard you bite into an apple, once it’s safely secured into your jaw, it’s not going to be coming out any time soon.
What are Dental Implants Made of?
Dental Implants are curated from three separate parts: the crown or the fake tooth, the abutment, and the titanium base.
- Crown is the tooth that you see. It’s also known as a pontic tooth and is usually made from ceramic or porcelain.
- Abutment is the middle portion of the implant. It helps to keep the prosthetic tooth in place by being screwed onto the base. However, it remains above the jawbone.
- Base or the implant itself is made of pure titanium. It’s screwed inside your jaw so the bones and gum beneath it can grow around it. This allows the implant to become an actual tooth, not much different from the original.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
When it comes to discussing how dental implants work, the answer is quite simple, if not a little methodical.
Inserting The Base: The first thing your dentist does is drill the titanium screw inside the empty socket of your tooth. It essentially acts like the ‘root’ portion, strengthening the hold from down below. Once placed, you have to let the gums grow around it, after which the rest of the implant can be adjusted. This can take around three to six months.
Abutment Attachment: When your gums finally grow over the base, it’s time to have the abutment attached in the middle. Some implants come with the abutment already attached, while others need to be separately placed.
The Crowning Ceremony: Finally, once everything is in place, your dentist will move on to the final step. This includes fixing the crown, or the fake tooth, on top of the implant to seal the deal.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Given how there are three different yet highly sturdy components that build a dental implant, it’s safe to assume that once they’re in your teeth, they’re in it for the long run. That is to say, dental implants are a permanent solution, lasting for up to 20 to 30 years. They can stretch out even more if you take good care of them and maintain a proper oral hygiene routine. After all, your implants’ lifespan relies heavily on your ability to care for and look after your teeth.
Conclusion
The bottom line is dental implants work in a magnificent way. Thanks to science and technology, you no longer have to live with empty tooth sockets. Dental implants make it so much easier to boost your confidence and elevate your day-to-day tasks.
If you want to know more about the process of dental implants, visit The Institute of Houston Dental Synergy and register for one of our new courses. You can also contact us by calling (713) 589-9603.
