Quick Summary
Dentures and bridges were once the only way to replace lost teeth. A dental implant is a titanium screw placed surgically into the jawbone and left to heal, after which one or more crowns are fitted on top. Because the implant anchors in the jaw rather than resting on the neighbouring teeth, it does not require healthy adjacent teeth for support the way a bridge does.
In the past, replacing lost teeth meant getting dentures or bridges. Even though these offered the best way at the time to restore your mouth’s appearance and function, technology has improved through the development of dental implants. The main drawbacks of bridges and dentures is that they do not feel or look just like real teeth, and it is difficult to chew tough foods. The advantage of implants is that they look and perform so well that you can’t even tell they are not your natural teeth.
Made from titanium, dental implants are screws that are surgically placed directly into your jawbone. They are light and malleable, but durable and strong. The titanium screws are implanted into your jawbone and given time to heal. Once healing is complete, one or multiple crowns are placed on top of the implant to recreate your missing teeth. One implant can hold more than one screw, so it is possible to attach as many crowns as needed to replace your missing teeth.
Dental implants look so much like real teeth that others won’t even be able to tell that you have any artificial teeth. You might even forget about it yourself, as they feel real as well. Since the implants are securely placed in your jaw, they are as strong as real teeth and you are able to chew and bite anything that you would normally eat. Another great thing about implants is that they don’t impact any of your adjacent healthy teeth. While bridges and dentures can sometimes damage neighboring teeth because those teeth are necessary for support, implants avoid this problem. You are left with a fully restored and comfortable smile.
Do you live in Billerica or the surrounding area? Our team is ready to help you achieve your smile goals. Schedule your appointment today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a dental implant different from a bridge or denture?
A bridge or denture rests on or beside your remaining teeth, and the neighbouring teeth are often needed for support, which can damage them. An implant is anchored in the jawbone itself, so the adjacent healthy teeth are left alone. Implants are also secure enough to bite and chew anything you would normally eat.
What is a dental implant made of?
Dental implants are screws made from titanium. The material is light and malleable, but durable and strong. The screw is placed into the jawbone and given time to heal before the crown or crowns are attached on top.
Can one implant replace more than one tooth?
Yes. Once the implant has healed, one or multiple crowns can be placed on top to recreate your missing teeth, so it is possible to attach as many crowns as are needed for the gap being restored.
Merry Dental, 337 Boston Rd, Billerica, MA 01821. 978-404-5400. Serving Billerica, Lowell, Chelmsford, Tewksbury, Burlington and Bedford.