Did you know that dental implants have been found as far back as the Mayan civilization? It’s true. Archeologists have found evidence of pieces of shell, found hammered into a woman’s jaw in a sort of rudimentary dental implant.

Of course, these days it’s a far more comfortable (and sterile!) process.

For well over 30 years, dental implants have been a popular and permanent solution to replace missing teeth.

A dental implant mimics the actual formation of a real tooth, using its placement within the root to stabilize the crown. It requires a surgical procedure but also includes anesthesia to minimize any discomfort.

It is also commonly split into more than one visit. As a full surgical procedure, it is prudent that the mouth is allowed time to heal in between procedures, particularly where the gum tissue is concerned. Based on your specific case and the procedure needed, the team at Eastport Dental will give your recommendation for the best course of action, along with a detailed treatment plan.

Natural in both feel and function, what’s most impressive is that dental implants actually work to restore your natural bone, fostering growth until eventually the implant and natural bone fuse into one.

While an implant can serve as an anchor for a replacement tooth, the implant itself is often the replacement tooth, serving as both an effective and attractive substitute to the real thing in the event of damages.

By removing dentures and bridgework from the equation, patients have a permanent and attractive solution to missing teeth!

In order for a tooth to be held in place, there must be something under the gumline that attaches to the bone in order to keep it in place during a lifetime of heavy use and regular wear and tear. This is where the implant comes in.

The dental implant uses titanium metal roots that are placed under the gum line and directly into your bone socket. Once in place, the implant serves as a new root in the same place where your natural tooth used to be embedded.

An implant uses a support post called an abutment that looks like a tiny, little screw, connecting the implant with the crown or replacement tooth before the crown is finished cosmetically to your liking.

There are two different types of implants: endosteal and subperiosteal. Endosteal implants go directly into your jawbone, while subperiosteal implants go on the bone, placed between the bone and gum tissue.

Implants are typically preferred over bridges, because they are self-sufficient, relying on the root for support rather than the surrounding teeth. This way, the implant is able to get the support needed from the jawbone, rather than having to add extra pressure and damage to any other teeth!

They are a permanent solution, serving to anchor the crown, bridge, or denture that is replacing your missing natural teeth. Implants ensure these pieces remain rooted in place and do not move or affect any of your day to day activities like eating, chewing, or during sleep.

Implants are a natural selection for any patient, because the implants themselves are natural. Over time, they actually anchor into your natural bone - the jawbone slowly fuses to the implant throughout the regrowth period. The durability of implants are impressive, as well, lasting over 30 years of daily chewing, biting, and grinding.

There are a number of reasons why you may be a good candidate for dental implants:

• One or more teeth are missing
• Your jawbone is fully grown and there is sufficient bone available to serve as a foundation for the implant
• Dentures are not a feasible option for you
• You are interested in improving your speech

Dr. Huynh will review your specific case to make the best recommendation for you personally; this is a process spread out over several months, so it is imperative that you have the flexibility in your schedule to allow for a proper healing period.

Our team at Eastport Dental will show you the best ways to maintain and care for your new implant to ensure the longest lifetime possible.

An implant may be more expensive than non-surgical options, due to the time, labor, and materials involved; however, the process is just one and done. Your implant will not require ongoing maintenance, care, or supervision, and it also will not require removal.

Restore your smile today with a dental implant and begin a new lifetime of dental health!