Are you seriously considering replacing a tooth you lost in recent times? If you are, a dentist can explain the options you have for replacing it, such as dental implants. If you know nothing about implants, you might have a lot of questions about them, primarily about how they work. Here are some of the most important things you should know about the way dental implants work as you decide what option to use to replace your missing tooth.
1. They contain 3 main parts
Implants have three basic components: the implant, the abutment, and the crown. The implant is the first part you will get, and this is the part that is positioned inside your jawbone directly below where the tooth will go. The abutment is a connector for the implant and crown, and the crown is the artificial tooth. Together, these three parts create an artificial tooth that looks and functions like an actual tooth.
2. They are more similar to a real tooth than any other option
When you choose an implant over other options, you will end up with an artificial tooth that is extremely similar to a real tooth. In fact, an implant is more similar to a real tooth than any of the other options you can choose. Part of the reason for this is due to the abutment acting like tooth roots, holding the tooth securely in place. The other reason is due to the stand-alone nature of an implant.
3. They are not instant
The other important thing to know about implants is that they are not an instant solution. They take time, and it may take up to a year for some people from start to finish. While this is a downside, implants are still the number one option for tooth replacement, because once you have one, you will love it. It will last forever if you care for it, and you might forget that this tooth is not real, simply because it looks and works like a natural tooth.
These are just three things to know about dental implants. If you are interested in finding out if a dental implant is a good choice for you, you can talk to a cosmetic dentist. Cosmetic dentists offer all kinds of services that improve the looks of teeth and smiles—dental implants are just one of the many services offered for this purpose.