What Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant screw over a black backdrop
A dental implant like those our periodontists use at Dental Partners of Boston.

Dental implants have truly changed the replacement of teeth over the years. Before the development of dental implants, people with dentures were unable to chew many kinds of food. This has all changed with this amazing advancement in dental technology.

What Is A Dental Implant?

Dental implants are made up of titanium and other materials that are compatible with the human body. They replace the roots of teeth by surgically implanting them into the jaw bone. They function as a sturdy anchor for artificial replacement teeth, known as crowns.

The jaw bone fuses to the implant allowing for the most stable support for a crown, bridge, or mounted denture. Bridges and dentures that are mounted to a dental implant do not shift or slip in your mouth as dentures might. Therefore allowing you to speak and eat normally, something that is so very critical to your everyday life. This solution feels and acts the most like a natural tooth when smiling, brushing, and chewing.

A major advantage is that there is no need to alter any other teeth when placing an implant, as with a dental bridge. A dental implant is a good solution for just a single missing tooth or multiple missing teeth. When smiling or talking there is no way to tell the difference between a dental implant and your natural tooth.

Why A Periodontist?

A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in caring for your gums and the other supporting tissues of your mouth. A periodontist can offer more specialized care and attention when a dental implant is an option. Because dental implants are personally connected with the gum tissue and underlying bone a periodontist will know exactly what to do and why to do it. Periodontists have the special knowledge, training, and experience needed to place the implant and match the look and feel of your natural teeth. While a periodontist provides specialized care for your gums there are two other areas that a periodontist has special training in:

  • A periodontist can help prevent tooth loss. A periodontist knows the specific treatments needed in order to save your natural tooth. The treatments that a periodontist provides removes damaged tissue and if done in time can prevent further infection. This can save a tooth from removal or a root canal.
  • A periodontist can replace missing teeth. When a tooth needs to be removed your Periodontist has a detailed understanding of the relationship between teeth, gums, and jaw bone. A periodontist will take the proper precautions to remove any teeth.

If dental implants in Boston is something you are looking into, Dental Partners of Boston can provide the care that you need. Schedule an appointment today to discuss it with one of our periodontists!

Related Posts