Dentist in Huntersville, NC
Dental implants are artificial roots which can help support a dental prosthesis and replace a lost tooth. Losing a tooth has implications that go beyond just the aesthetics of your smile. In fact, most of the tooth replacement techniques have focused on regaining the cosmetics of your smile. Dental bridges and dentures merely give the appearance that you have all of your natural teeth. However, Tate C. Langdon in Huntersville, NC wants you to know that when it comes to replicating the same functions as your natural teeth, both fall short since there’s always a huge chance of these prostheses falling off. We don’t want you losing your dentures in the depths of Lake Norman!
What makes dental implants so much stronger than dental veneers and dentures?
Aside from the fact that dental implants are anchored deep within the underlying jawbones, they also operate under the principle of osseointegration. Osseointegration is the fusion of the titanium dental implant with the surrounding bone tissue. Because of this fusion, the implant is secured firmly in place. In fact, dental implants, with proper care and maintenance, can last you an entire lifetime.
Dental implants are made either of pure titanium metal or titanium alloy. This is because titanium is the only metal which bone tissues do not reject, and hence, is capable of osseointegration.
Are you a good candidate for dental implants?
While dental implants in Huntersville, NC might give a person security and peace of mind because how of durable they are and how firmly they attach to the bone tissues, not everyone can be a likely candidate for dental implants. Because the dental implant procedure is classified as invasive, only people with natural healing capabilities can be considered for the procedure. Patients who have a compromised or suppressed immune system not only take a long time to heal but they are also at risk for infections.
And since dental implants require viable gum and bone tissues for successful implantation, patients with gingivitis and advanced forms of gum disease have to be treated for those conditions before they can go through with the dental implant procedure. In fact, individuals who do not have enough bone tissue need to undergo bone grafts before they can go through with the dental implant.
What tests should you expect?
Expect that Tate C. Langdon in Huntersville, NC will order x-rays and even a CT scan. These imaging tests will show any tooth structure which may be underneath the tentative site for the dental implant which can interfere with the entire procedure and even prevent you from being a suitable candidate for the procedure.
Dental implants are a permanent way to replace a missing tooth. To see if you are a candidate, call Tate C. Langdon today.
—–