Are Dental Implants Permanent?
If you are missing a single tooth, multiple consecutive teeth, several teeth spread across an arch, or all of your teeth, dental implants offer you a replacement option that is most similar to your natural teeth. Missing teeth can make you feel embarrassed, which takes a toll on your confidence. You may also have trouble eating and speaking. If you are looking for a permanent solution that will restore the function and beauty of your smile, dental implants may be a wonderful choice. However, to fully understand what makes dental implants “permanent,” become familiar with the ins and outs of this restorative treatment, so you truly understand your options.
What Is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a titanium post that an implant dentist or oral surgeon surgically places into your jawbone. This does not include the portion of your tooth replacement that rests above your gum, on top of the post, which will look like a tooth in the case of a single implant. You may see a loved one point to his or her tooth replacement, and refer to it as a dental implant. This is both accurate and inaccurate. While many individuals refer to all pieces of this prosthetic tooth replacement as “dental implant,” only the titanium post is the implant, replacing your tooth’s roots. So while your loved one does, in fact, have an implant, the visible portion is a separate prosthetic.
