Westfield Dentist Explains the Benefits of Titanium in Dental Implants

Losing a tooth can be one of the most traumatic dental problems a patient has to deal with. Whether one loses a tooth due to injury or decay, a missing tooth can take a toll on a patient’s self-esteem and oral health. Now more than ever patients are turning to dental implants to replace missing teeth. Today I’m going to be talking about how dental implants work, and who could potentially benefit from them.

Dental implant technology is possible because of a natural process called osseointegration. Dental implants are made of titanium or titanium alloy. These implants are surgically implanted into the jawbone, filling the hole left vacant by the missing tooth. Titanium is unique because over time, it bonds to natural bone through the process of osseointegration. Dental implants, therefore, are the closest substitute to natural teeth.

Most patients want to replace missing teeth because they think that holes in their smile are unsightly and unattractive. What many patients don’t realize is that a missing tooth is also detrimental to a patient’s overall oral health. A missing tooth is like a broken link in a chain—it compromises the structural integrity of the rest of the smile. When a tooth is missing, other teeth can shift and move around the gum line. Additionally, the jawbone becomes susceptible to deterioration and infection.

Dental implants are the latest innovation for replacing teeth. They have become increasingly popular because they look like natural teeth and they actually improve the patient’s dental health.

How Are Dental Implants Placed?

The dental implant procedure takes place in two phases. In the first phase, our Boca Raton dental implant dentists surgically implant the titanium root into the jawbone. Some patients do not have sufficient bone density and strength to hold a dental implant. These patients may need to have bone grafts to supplement and add strength to the jawbone. After the implant is embedded in the bone, the incision is closed and allowed to heal. During this healing period, the titanium root bonds with the jawbone, creating a strong foundation for the dental restoration.

Then, in the second procedure, the dental restoration is affixed to the titanium implant root. The dental restoration resembles a natural tooth, with customized tooth shade and shape. Ultimately, patients with dental implants are able to eat and speak comfortably, without worrying about ill-fitting dental appliances.

The discovery of osseointegration paved the way for dental implants to become a cutting-edge tooth replacement option. Patients have many options to replace missing teeth, and it’s important to understand your options and make an educated decision that is right for your specific situation. Our Westfield dental implant dentists are always here to help and answer any questions you may have. Feel free to give us a call at (908) 543-3215.