Many people will eventually need to have at least one tooth replaced, due to the effects of tooth decay, gum disease, injury, or just the normal wear and tear of everyday use. While there are several options available to replace lost teeth, one of the most popular is dental implants.
Dental implants go further than other dental restorations because they replace the entire structure of a lost tooth. The implant, properly speaking, actually only refers to the part you can’t see. This is a biocompatible titanium post that is surgically inserted into the jaw bone, and mimics the root of a natural tooth. Over a period of a few weeks, the bone fully integrates the post, creating a sturdy foundation upon which a number of restorations can be placed.
One of the most common of these is a single crown to replace a single tooth that has been extracted or otherwise lost. The crown can be matched precisely with your other teeth so that it is indistinguishable. Dental bridges can be anchored with an implant to replace multiple adjoining teeth, and partial or complete dentures can also be mounted on several implants throughout the mouth.
Implants offer superior stability and strength, as well as a natural feel. You might even forget you have implants. Dental implants really are a landmark in modern dentistry. If you would like to learn more about them, or schedule a consultation with Dr. James C. Ma to see if they are the best option for you, please call James C. Ma in Bakersfield, CA, today.