What Are Dental Implants and What Is Involved in Getting Them?

Dental implants are used to replace missing teeth. If you’re a resident of Philadelphia, you can easily find a dentist who offers dental implants in Philadelphia. Roughly 178 million people in the US have lost at least one tooth, and a staggering 20 percent of people over 65 have lost all of their teeth. Dental implants can be used to replace a single missing tooth or even an entire arch of missing teeth. In the latter case, they are used to hold dentures securely in place.

are artificial tooth roots that are made of titanium. This has several advantages. First off, titanium is biocompatible, which means the body won’t reject it. Second, it will gradually fuse with the jaw bone in a process called osseointegration. By the end of the process, which takes six to twelve weeks, the implant will fit in the jawbone as snugly and securely as a natural tooth root.

Patients will typically be given a local anesthetic to keep them comfortable. The dentist will then use a drill to reach the jawbone and create a space for the screw-like titanium post. The dentist will monitor the patient during the osseointegration process to ensure it is proceeding as expected. When the dentist is satisfied that the osseointegration is complete, he/she will place a connector called an abutment on top of the dental implant.

Dental crowns are custom-made, and they are designed to match the color and look of the patient’s natural teeth. If the patient is missing two teeth in a row, the dentist will use a dental bridge, which will also be custom-made to resemble the patient’s natural teeth. After the dental lab has made the crown or bridge, the dentist will secure it on top of the abutment. With good care, the new tooth will last the rest of the patient’s life. To have dental implants, look for professional dentists who offer dental implants in Philadelphia.