People are living longer these days and keeping their teeth longer than ever before, too. However, according to data collected between 1999 and 2004 by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research over 10 percent of people between 50 and 64 are edentulous. Edentulous means that they have no natural teeth remaining. Nearly eight percent were smokers. Complete tooth loss can be remedied in two ways: dentures or implants. Today we discuss dental implants for those of you suffering from adult tooth loss.
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant, consists of three parts: the implant, the abutment, and a dental crown.
Implant: Also referred to as an implant post, the dental implant is a screw-like titanium post that is surgically placed into your jaw bone to act as the root of the tooth. The titanium post fuses with the bone (osseointegrates) providing a stable base for the abutment and dental crown. It takes about three months for the osseointegration process to be complete.
Implant abutment: Once the surgical implant is healed, the titanium post is topped with an abutment or a “connector.” The abutment is what holds the dental crown to the implant post.
The whole process can take up to three visits. Dental implants are the closest you can get to strong, natural, stable teeth. They won’t move, shift, or cause discomfort while eating or talking, nor do they decay. In that sense, implants are actually better than teeth!
ABOUT YOUR NORTH RICHLAND HILLS DENTIST:
With over 25 years of professional experience, Dr. Steven M. Huffstutler and his caring team proudly provide exceptional preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dental treatment to patients and their families across Dallas/Ft. Worth, including North Richland Hills, Denton, the Mid-cities, Southlake, and all surrounding communities. We also have extensive experience helping patients find relief from painful TMJ disorders (various forms of jaw dysfunction). To schedule an appointment with Dr. Huffstutler, contact our office today by calling 817-918-3038.