With today’s advancements in dentistry, a lost tooth no longer has to be a cause for panic. Dental implants provide high quality, functional, and aesthetically pleasing restorations that mimic natural teeth. Their capabilities have pushed them to the lead of all tooth-replacement procedures. Here to explain why is your Erlanger dentist, Dr. Darlene Henry. She discusses the benefits of dental implants.

What Is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a prosthetic made up of three parts, used to complete an effective restoration for a missing tooth. The three parts of a dental implant are the crown, the post, and the abutment. The crown is the part of the implant that shows above the gum line. It is custom made to blend in with surrounding teeth, offering a realistic appearance even under close scrutiny. The crown is also strong, allowing patients to eat tough foods without a second thought.

But as impressive as the crown is, the post is the true star of the dental implant. The post is a piece of titanium that is inserted into the gums and the jawbone. Once it is in place, the post fuses with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration. When osseointegration is complete, the post provides a firm foundation for the entire dental implant, preventing any movement.

The final piece of the dental implant is the abutment. It simply serves as a connection point between the crown and the post. The abutment is also very sturdy and prevents any movement or twisting of the crown.

Benefits of Dental Implants

In addition to providing a high quality restoration, dental implants prevent complications stemming from tooth loss. Sometimes when a tooth’s root leaves the jaw, more teeth fall out in a process called the domino effect. The jawbone may also lose density. These complications occur because the body ceases sending nutrients to the area vacated by the tooth when the tooth’s root leaves the jaw. The dental implant’s post reverses this effect and thus restores nutrition the area.

Dental Implants in Erlanger

Do you have a missing tooth? A dental implant can replace it with a functional and aesthetically pleasing restoration. Schedule an appointment with your Erlanger dentist, Dr. Henry, today by calling our 41018 dentist office at 859-344-8500. We serve patients from Erlanger, Cincinnati, Crestview Hills, Fort Mitchell, Florence, Union, Independence, and Taylor Mill.