Are you missing a tooth? Have you looked into any restorative procedures? If you have, you may have read about dental implants and the lifelike restorations they yield. But dental implants can do far more than restore the appearance of your smile. Take this quiz from Waco dentist, Dr. Corbet Locke, and see what you find out about dental implants.
Take the Quiz
- True or False: Dental implants have five main parts.
- True or False: Dental implants can prevent further tooth loss.
- True or False: Dental implants can improve the health of the jawbone.
Check Your Answers
- False. Dental implants have three main parts: the crown, the post, and the abutment. The crown is the prosthetic tooth, which is visible above the gum line. The post is a titanium rod that is inserted into the gums and the jaw. Once in position, the post fuses with the jawbone and provides a stable anchor for the crown. The final part, the abutment, connects the crown to the post.
- True. Further tooth loss often follows a single lost tooth. This particular complication occurs because the body stops sending nutrients to the area vacated by the lost tooth. Unfortunately, nearby teeth (and the jawbone) sometimes don’t get the nutrients they need, and they eventually fall out. Dental implants work against this process because of the presence of the post in the jawbone. The body recognizes the implant’s post as a tooth’s root, prompting the restoration of nutrition.
- True. In addition to preventing malnutrition of the jawbone, dental implants help to stimulate bone cells by transferring the forces of biting and chewing to the jawbone. Following tooth loss, the bone cells in the area of the lost tooth no longer receive these forces, prompting a loss in bone density. However, when a dental implant is placed, the bone cells can once again receive stimulation, resulting in an increase in bone density and a healthier jawbone.
Schedule a Visit with Your Waco Implant Dentist
Don’t let missing teeth ruin your smile. Contact your Waco implant dentist, Dr. Locke, today to schedule an appointment or a consultation by calling 254-776-4888. Our 76172 dental office serves patients from Waco, Woodway, McGregor, Hewitt, and surrounding communities.