subject: Things to Know About Dental Implants [print this page] Things to Know About Dental Implants Things to Know About Dental Implants
Tooth loss is an inevitable part of life. Possible causes include root canal failure, tooth decay, gum disease, and physical trauma. Some instances of tooth loss result from congenital defects. Others are the result of simple wear and tear.
People who have lost teeth find it difficult to chew and swallow, hampering their oral digestion. They cannot break down and grind solid food, such as beef and chicken meat, sufficiently. This can have a negative effect on their dietary habits; extreme cases can even result in malnutrition or eating disorders.
Dental professionals have devised artificial remedies to replace lost teeth. The most common examples are dentures and dental implants. These are false teeth that resemble real ones. Once they are placed correctly in the mouth, they look like the genuine article. They are created based on the measurement, dimensions, and shades of the patient's own natural teeth.
Dentures are detachable replacements that are placed in gaps between healthy teeth. They are made up of acrylic resin with a porcelain or metal support. Dentures are removable; one can easily take them off for cleaning and repair. On the other hand, dental implants are fixed tooth structures. They are fastened with a titanium screw deep into the jaw bone and are held in line with an abutment. They are permanent teeth replacements akin to naturally grown teeth.
Many people prefer dental implants over dentures because they are stable and permanent. In Scottsdale, several patients choose to undergo a 4 to 5-month implant procedure rather than get faster-to-manufacture dentures. With a dental implant, they do not need to worry about their false teeth getting dislodged. The dental implants Scottsdale surgeons give their clients are custom-designed, permanent, and durable.
Dental Scottsdale doctor conduct the procedure in two phases. First, they put in the titanium screw and cover it with an abutment. The abutment creates a space for the crown on the surface of the gums, keeping the flesh from completely covering the metal root. The screw melds with the surrounding tissue and osseointegrates. Second, they place the permanent crown on top of the abutment. The second phase is usually performed four to six months after the first.
Typically, a dentist in Scottsdale charges higher for dental implants compared to other treatments. However, this cost is offset by its ability to restore the appearance, alignment, and function of a normal tooth.