Most people know that a dental implant can be used to replace a single lost tooth. The implant is inserted into the jawbone and eventually covered by a dental crown. If a tooth-colored crown is used during the restoration, it is difficult to discern the false tooth from the other teeth in the patient's mouth.
In addition to single-tooth replacements, dental implants can be used for other purposes. Here are a few of them:
Dental implants can be used to stabilize dentures.
Conventional dentures are held in place primarily by the suction within the mouth. As a result, they can move inadvertently as a person eats or speaks. This can make the denture wearer uncomfortable with eating certain foods or eating and speaking in public. Dental implants may be used with dentures to help them remain secure within the mouth.
Implant-supported dentures include a special mechanism on the bottom of the dentures to connect them to the implants within the mouth. Since the implants are secured within the bone of the jaw, they stabilize the dentures.
Dental implants undergo a healing process called osseointegration, which integrates the metal implant with the bone of the jaw. If a zygomatic implant or cheekbone-based implant is used, the implant integrates with the cheekbone. This stabilizing process is completed over several months.
Dental implants can be used for all-on-four implant restorations.
Dental implants are also used in the installation of all-on-fours. All-on-fours are false teeth that are permanently positioned in the mouth. Unlike dentures, which the patient can remove as desired, all-on-fours are held in place by screws that can only be removed by the dentist. The screws connect the all-on-fours to the dental implants.
Generally, four dental implants are strategically placed for the application.The result is cosmetically beautiful, but most importantly, it is comfortable and functional. In addition to securing the teeth replacement appliance in the mouth, the dental implants help prevent the atrophy of the jawbone.
The bone of the jaw produces new bone cells in response to stimulation that comes from chewing and biting. The force involved in mastication is transferred from the roots of the teeth to the jawbone. However, when the teeth are lost, the stimulation ceases. The implants, which are secured in the jawbone like natural teeth, continue to offer bone stimulation at their installation site.
To learn more about the uses of dental implants, schedule a consultation with a dentist in your local area, like those at Alliance Family Dental.
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