What are Dental Implants?

Houston dental implants are permanent tooth replacements.  They are different from all other forms of tooth replacements because they are permanently embedded within the jaw bone itself.  Not only does the base of each implant actually attach to the jaw, it eventually integrates into it.

Each dental implant is made from three different components.  What dentists call the actual implant itself is essentially a titanium-based alloy that is made from a material called Tivolloy.  Tivolloy is a bio-friendly titanium-based allow that is easily accepted by the jaw and the gums.  

The base of the implant is shaped like a screw.  This enables it to be twisted into the bone and firmly set in place.  This also helps it, over time, to become a part of the bone so it does not eventually fall out.

The second part of the dental implant is known as an abutment.  This is a small metal post that will later help the crown remain anchored and securely affixed to the top of the base.

The third part of the dental implant is the crown.  It is made from porcelain, and it works in exactly the same manner that other cosmetic dental crowns work.  It both looks and functions like any natural tooth.  This is due to the fact that porcelain is the same color as tooth enamel.  It is also due to the fact that porcelain is very hard, and it is capable of chewing any number of foods.

Cosmetic dental implants are better than standard bridgework and dentures.  While this may sound like a very biased statement at face value, it is not when we look at the facts.  There are a number of problems associated with both dentures and dental bridges that simply cannot be overcome without a superior, permanent alternative.

Dentures, for example, tend to make very embarrassing clicking sounds when a person chews.  This is especially true with the cheaper models.  Dentures must also be frequently removed and cleaned, which leaves a person toothless in the meantime, and which often creates embarrassing situations when dentures are found in a glass.

Bridgework will create its own set of problems.  Bridgeworks has to be affixed to anchor points, which in the case of permanent bridges, means attaching brackets to surrounding natural teeth.  Over time, the stress of chewing will often put enough strain on these brackets that they wear down natural tooth enamel.

Dental implants solve both sets of problems.  Because they are permanently embedded in the bone of the jaw itself, they never have to be taken out for cleaning.  In fact, they can be brushed and in the same manner as natural teeth.

Also, because dental implants go into the jawbone itself, they do not impact natural teeth in a negative way.  In fact, they actually help straighten natural teeth by closing the gaps caused by missing teeth.

There are many other benefits that go along with dental implants as well.  The greatest benefit is the reversal of bone loss.  When teeth are lost, the jaw bones that normally grow around the roots begin to recede.  Implanting a tooth replacement directly into the jaw reverses this affect by giving the jaw something to grow around.