Traditional replacement tooth options—dentures and bridges—are designed to sit on top of the gum tissue. These dental appliances are held in place with adhesive, or with small metal pieces that attach the appliance to surrounding teeth. Revolutionary dental implants, however, are designed to function like natural teeth—which means that these replacement teeth are embedded in the jawbone.
The dental implant root actually serves a number of beneficial functions for the patient. Today our O’Fallon dental implant dentists will be giving you more information about the dental implant root, so that you can better understand this very important restorative dentistry option.
Every dental implant is secured with its own small root that is made out of titanium. The root is shaped like a thin screw, so that when it is implanted into the jawbone, it locks in place.
The implant is made out of titanium for a very specific reason. Titanium has a unique property that actually allows it to bond with bone tissue—this process is called osseointegration. Once your implant root is in place, it will start to adhere to your bone tissue.
This helps you because:
1. Your implant root is held firmly in place, thus securing your entire replacement tooth. This is what allows you to eat and chew naturally with dental implants. Your final restoration will be sturdy just like your natural teeth are.
2. Your bone tissue is reinforced and strengthened through its bond with the titanium root. Because many patients suffer from bone tissue deterioration after losing a tooth, the dental implant root can be essential for helping you maintain oral health.
As you can see, the dental implant root is what sets the dental implant apart from other restorative dentistry options. To learn more, or schedule you own consultation with our dentist, feel free to contact our O’Fallon dental implant dentist office today!