If you have lost one or more teeth because of gum disease, severe tooth decay or an injury, then dental implants can be the ideal solution. A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is surgically positioned in your jawbone to anchor a tooth replacement, such as a porcelain crown or bridge. Read on find out why dental implants in Liberty, MO, are a common to solution the problems of tooth loss.
Dental Implants for You
There are two types of dental implants. The most commonly used is an endosteal implant. This type is embedded in the bone and is either shaped like a screw or cylinder. Endosteal implants fuse with surrounding gum and bone tissue to create a solid footing for your eventual tooth restoration, which can be a crown for a single missing tooth or dentures if you are missing several teeth.
The other type of dental implant is subperiosteal, meaning “on the bone.” Subperiosteal dental implants are secured to the top of your jawbone and have a metal framework that protrudes through gum tissue in order to hold a prosthesis securely in place. These implants are intended for patients who cannot wear standard dentures and who do not have sufficient bone height to support an endosteal implant.
Receiving Dental Implants in 64158
In order to determine whether or not you are a qualified candidate for dental implants, Dr. Byars will examine your gum tissue and assess the condition of your jawbone. Gums that are free of periodontal disease and sufficient bone density are critical to the success of your dental implants. In addition, you need to be in good general, as well, because placing implants does require oral surgery and a recovery period.
Dental implants can be used to restore your smile whether you are missing one, several or all of the teeth along the top or bottom arch. If you have a single missing tooth, then one implant is strategically positioned to secure a crown. For several missing teeth, an implant-supported bridge may be the ideal solution. And if you are edentulous, meaning that all of your teeth are missing, then a full implant-supported denture can replace them.
Sometimes, there are procedures that need to be performed before implants can be placed. For example, sinus augmentation raises the sinus floor and adds bone tissue for the placement of dental implants. Ridge modification corrects deformities in the upper or lower jaw, so that there is sufficient bone in which to secure implants. An incision is made in the gum to expose the defect, which is then filled with bone or bone substitute to build up your ridge.
Call Your Liberty, MO, Dentist Today
If you’d like to know whether or not you qualify for dental implants, schedule a consultation with Dr. Byars today.