Dental implants are artificial teeth that are surgically placed into the jaw. These are made of titanium metal posts that are inserted into the jaw through an incision in the gums. Once they are secure and stable, your Santa Cruz implant dentist attaches dental crowns with metal abutments or specialized glue. These dental crowns are typically made of porcelain, a hard kind of material that looks like natural tooth enamel.
Unlike removable dentures, dental implants look, feel and function like real teeth. They also provide a permanent solution to tooth loss. With proper care and maintenance, dental implants can last for a lifetime. They can also withstand daily chewing and biting without incurring damage. Since they’re made of artificial materials, they don’t decay like real teeth.
Dental implants work by fusing to the bone tissue in the jaw area. This process takes up to five months after surgery, during which time the patient’s surgical wounds heal. Rare cases of dental implant failure, however, occur when dental implants are unable to completely fuse with the bone tissue. When this happens, the dental implants remain mobile in the jaw. Your Santa Cruz implant dentist remedies this by re-opening the surgical wound and replacing the dental implants with new ones. Studies have shown that cigarette smoking during recovery can lead to dental implant failure.
Dental implants also require high bone volume in the jaw area. Hence, patients who lack bone tissue are advised to undergo bone grafting surgery. During bone grafting surgery, the surgeon extracts bone tissue from the patient’s arm or thigh and transplants it to the jaw. This augments bone density in that area.
Dental implants can make chewing and eating easier. They enhance your facial structure and restore the functionality of your mouth. They can also make you look younger and more attractive.
For more information about dental implants, get in touch with Santa Cruz implant dentist Dr. Matiasevich, Jr., by calling 831-440-7577 today.
