A few things are as traumatizing as losing our teeth. The good news is modern dentistry has come a long way, and there is no reason why you should use traditional dentures. Dental implants are one of the most advanced and useful ways of restoring missing teeth. Before you consider dental implant placement in Columbia, here are some things worth knowing. 

The basic facts

For the unversed, dental implants are replacement posts made of titanium. These work as artificial tooth roots for missing teeth, offering an anchor for replacement teeth. The titanium post is surgically placed in the bone socket, and as the jawbone heals, the dental implant becomes a part of it. An abutment is then used to connect the replacement tooth to the implant. As the process allows you to get back tooth roots, the comfort is unmatchable. 

Who is the right candidate for dental implants?

Most adults can consider dental implants. Because there is a reduction in bone mass after a tooth falls off, the dentist may have to go for bone grafting before dental implants are surgically placed. If you are a heavy smoker, have lifestyle diseases, or have diabetes, talk to your dentist and share your medical history. Many patients may need preliminary treatments before going for surgery. 

Understanding dental implant restorations

There are several types of dental implant restorations. The most common choice is a crown, which allows the dentist to replace one missing tooth. The implant crown is custom-made to fit on the implant via the abutment. If there are more missing teeth, dentists may consider bridges, which are supported by implants on either side. The bridge fills the gaps between the teeth. You can also get a complete set of teeth using dental implants, and there are advanced options to get all your missing teeth back using just four implants. 

An overview of bone grafting

Bone mass loss is very common after tooth loss, and in such circumstances, dentists will have to graft supplemental bone in the deficient areas to add more strength to the jawbone. This is known as bone grafting. 

Final word

With dental implants, you can expect to preserve your facial features and keep the surrounding natural teeth. There is no need to reduce the adjacent teeth, and in the long run, this can prevent bone weakening. Dental implants are more comfortable than dentures and can last for years without the need for extensive care.