Dental Implants in Orem, UT
Teeth are an important part of everyday life. Unfortunately, they are often not appreciated for their function until the loss of one or many are experienced due to injury, disease, decay, age or genetics. Teeth provide important functions in smiling, chewing, eating, speaking, and mouth and facial structure. When tooth loss occurs, many confide that it affects their not only their ability to function normally in daily life but also affected is self-confidence and close relationships. In today’s dental technology, there is a way to reverse the effects of tooth loss through options such as dental implants.
What are implants?
A dental implant replaces the roots of a failing or lost tooth when a small screw is secured to the jawbone. These screws or implants are then used as an anchor to the crown, dentures or a replacement tooth which is then securely fastened to the implant.
Why are implants important?
Implants can restore the look and feel of real teeth. Dental implants not only fill in missing gaps in teeth, but they play an important role in keeping natural teeth from shifting, rotating or crowding other teeth. Filling the gaps in between teeth allows for a correct and solid bite, aids in digestion, alleviates the pressure of chewing placed on other teeth and pressure on the jawbone and joints, as well as lessens the possibility of damaging other natural teeth.
Also, since they are independently secured and anchored in the gums and jawbone of the mouth, implants do not require the support of other teeth to keep in place such as found in bridges and single dentures. A great benefit is that implants can last a lifetime and can be easier to keep clean.
How do implants work?
Dental implants can replace a single tooth, several teeth or even a full set of teeth in the upper and/or lower jaw.
Dental implants generally have three parts to the structure and are placed in the mouth in steps.
First, the implant is placed in the gum and jaw by the dentist. The implant is a small screw that acts as a root for the implant and secures the new tooth permanently to the jaw.
Second, the abutment is a permanent connector that fastens a tooth directly to the implant. This can be removed by a dentist as needed.
Third, the crown or prosthetic tooth is secured to the abutment. The crown is the visible part of the tooth. The dentist will match the color and size of the tooth to the other surrounding teeth to make an overall, uniform look.
There are a variety of brands that provide many different shapes and sizes of implants, so there are many options to fit to each individual situation.
Healthy, strong and secure teeth add quality of life and contribute to overall health. To see if dental implants are the right option for you, call the professional dental offices of Rogers Family Dental today for an assessment and recommendation.
Who Can Get Dental Implants?
Only patients who have generally good dental health can get dental implants. Viable bone tissue is needed to ensure that the implants will stay rooted. That’s why it’s important to see a dentist for a tooth implant as early as possible. In some cases, a bone grafting procedure can help improve a patient’s chances of having a dental implant integrate successfully.
How Long Will Dental Implants Last?
For patients of a certain age, a dental implant has a good chance of lasting for a lifetime. The crown part of the implant can last for up to 15 years before it may need to be replaced. Seeing your dentist at least two times every year for professional cleanings and becoming meticulous about at-home dental care will ensure that the implant (and your other teeth) stays strong and healthy.
Do you need Dental Implants or would like to learn more? Then call our Orem, Utah office at (801) 225-7712 for more information!