Dental Implants

What Are Dental Implants?

Before the development of dental implants, dentures were the only alternative to replacing a missing tooth or teeth.

Implants are synthetic structures that are placed in the area of the tooth normally occupied by the root. Implants are anchored to the jawbone or metal framework on the bone and act as a foundation for an artificial tooth or permanent bridge. In some cases, implants can be used to attach dentures.

Not everyone is a candidate for a dental implant, however. For a successful implant to take hold, a candidate must have proper bone density and have a strong immune system. In all cases, dental implants require strict oral hygiene.

Implants are so well designed that they mimic the look and feel of natural teeth. Implants are usually made of a synthetic yet biocompatible material like metal or ceramic.

Surgery is necessary to prepare the area for an implant and place the implant in the mouth. Following the procedure, a period of time is required for the implant to take hold and for bone tissue to build up and anchor the device. In some cases, metal posts are inserted into the implant during a follow-up procedure to connect the tooth.

Because implants require surgery, patients are administered anesthesia and, if necessary, antibiotics to stave off infection following the procedure.

Like any restoration, implants require diligent oral hygiene and proper care to ensure they last a long time.

5 Extraordinary Benefits of Dental Implants

Thinking about dental implants? Dental implants are the gold standard in the replacement of teeth. Dr. Ralph T. Mazzuca, located in Washington, DC, offers a full range of dental services, including dental implants. Here are five extraordinary benefits of dental implants.

Beautify Your Smile

Missing teeth can ruin a beautiful smile. Dental implants can fill in your smile's gaps and improve your appearance. Dental implants are the next best thing to natural teeth. With dental implants, you will look and feel younger and more attractive. 

Improve Oral Function

Dental implants fit, feel, and act like natural teeth. Missing teeth can make it difficult for people to pronounce certain words. Dental implants can improve your clarity of speech. Tooth loss can also make it difficult for people to chew food. With dental implants, you will experience a dramatic improvement in chewing ability. 

Stop Jawbone Loss

The most common cause of jawbone loss is a missing tooth left unreplaced. Dental implants help to prevent bone loss and stimulate bone growth. Dental implants distribute chewing forces throughout the bone and minimize the wearing away of the bone.

Prevent Teeth Shifting

Although your teeth feel as if they are set in the jawbone, they are capable of drifting out of place. When people lose a tooth, the surrounding teeth begin to shift out of place. Dental implants can prevent your existing teeth from moving out of place.

Increase Your Self-Esteem

Losing a tooth can be a traumatic experience for many people. Tooth loss can lead to low self-esteem which can affect the quality of a people's lives in many different ways. Dental implants can restore your smile and help you feel better about yourself.

Interested in completely restoring your smile?
Ralph T. Mazzuca, D.D.S. has the solution with dental implants.
Call our Washington, DC office at (202) 537-1088 for more information today!