If you are missing teeth and the term "dental implants" was used as a possible course of action by your dentist, then you want to make sure you get answers to any of the questions you end up having. While you can ask your dentist all the questions you have, most times people leave the office only to get home and find they continue to think of more questions If this is the case in your situation, you'll find this article may answer many of those questions you are now having.

What exactly are dental implants?

You may know they are a tooth replacement option, but you'll want to know more than this. The answer is that a dental implant is a dental prosthesis that contains a small post designed of titanium that is connected directly to the bone of the jaw through fusion. An abutment connects to the post and a crown gets connected to the abutment. The normal process for having a dental implant put in will consist of three separate steps.

Can anyone who is missing a tooth opt for an implant?

No, in order to make sure an implant is the right option for you, the dentist will need to give you a very thorough exam and also take some of your medical history into account. You must meet certain criteria such as:

• Not have a health issue that makes you a slow healer
• Have normal resistance to infections
• Have good density in your jaw bone
• Not be allergic to the materials used (which is extremely rare)
• Be able to afford this option

Are dental implants the best option?

For many people, dental implants would prove to be their best option. They can last as long as a lifetime if treated well and everything goes accordingly. They look and feel real. They have no more limitations than your real teeth do. Neither you nor anyone else will even be able to tell they aren't real once they are in place and you have healed from the process. The materials they are made from make it impossible for them to decay.

Can you get dental implants without them being put into your jawbone?

No, the whole thing about dental implants being such a great replacement option is that they do get connected right to the bone, which make them just as strong as your real teeth. Without fusing to the bone, the implant would be very weak and fall out.

To learn more about implants, reach out to a dentist like Dr. Mahnaz Rashti.