If you are looking for an option to replace your missing teeth, dental implants could be for you. Dental implants are prosthetic teeth that are surgically connected to the bone of your jaw.

The dentist drills an implant screw that is made of biocompatible titanium into your jawbone, where it fuses with the bone over a period. This fusion process, which is called osseointegration, occurs naturally over about two to four months. After the fusion is complete, the dentist can affix a dental crown, an overdenture or a dental bridge, depending on the number of teeth involved in the restoration. Here are a few details:

A Crown for a Single Tooth

For one tooth, a dental crown is used. The crown, which is usually made of porcelain or porcelain-over-metal, is affixed to the dental implant by a connector or abutment. Since porcelain can be matched to the translucency and color of your natural teeth, a dental implant is virtually indistinguishable from the other teeth in your mouth through casual observation.

In addition, the implant serves the same purposes as your natural tooth. It fills in the missing space to prevent the migration of your adjacent teeth, stimulates the jawbone as you chew and restores the appearance of your smile.

A Denture for a Full Palate of Missing Teeth

If you have a full palate of missing teeth, your dentist may install several dental implants as supports for a denture. Some dentures include connectors on the underside of the denture plates so that the appliance can snap onto or attach to dental implants. Once attached, a denture will not slip or migrate out of position as you eat or speak. You can socialize and communicate with confidence.

A Bridge or Overdenture for Several Missing Teeth

If you have three or four missing teeth, your dentist may suggest a dental bridge. The bridge is held in place when the two crowns on the ends of the bridge are bonded to underlying dental implants or natural teeth. This bonding is considered permanent and can only be removed by a dentist.

A partial denture may also be suitable for the replacement of several missing teeth. If a partial denture is used, you can choose an overdenture, which contains an attachment device on the underside of the appliance to connect to the underlying dental implants.

If you would like to replace missing teeth in your mouth, contact an implant dentist in your area like Dental Care Of Scottsburg - Randol O Woolbright Jr DDS. They can determine the most suitable option for you.

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