How Does an Implant Compare to a Real Tooth?
An implant is often compared to a tooth. Though there are differences between the two, they both generally serve the same purpose — to help us chew and speak. An implant can be considered a replacement for a tooth regarding function and aesthetic appeal. At Alexandra Garcia, DDS, MS, we can help you replace your lost tooth.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are artificial roots that can be used to replace missing teeth. They are usually made of titanium and are placed into the upper or lower jawbone where a tooth has been lost.
Once in place, the implant acts as an anchor for an artificial tooth (called a crown) that will look and feel like your natural teeth. Dental implants can be used to support a single tooth or multiple teeth. Implants may also be used as part of a fixed bridge or removable denture to hold dentures in place.
Dental Implant Materials
Titanium is the most commonly used material for dental implants. Titanium has many advantages over other materials, including being strong and durable while remaining flexible and comfortable in the mouth. It can also be contoured to fit perfectly with your existing teeth.
Zirconia is another reliable material used in dental implants. It has several properties that make it an ideal alternative to titanium. It's strong and durable, so it can withstand chewing forces without breaking down or wearing away. Similarly, zirconia can stay bright white for years without developing small scratches or discoloration. This makes it an ideal option for people who want to avoid re-whitening their teeth frequently.
However, zirconia implants are used primarily in situations where other materials are not suitable; for example, a patient has an allergy to metals or insufficient bone to support a conventional implant. The material can also be used to reconstruct an implant site after removing a previous implant due to infection.
Ceramics is another synthetic material often used for crowns, veneers, and bridges. It is more flexible than zirconia but more brittle than titanium.
Dental Implant Procedure
Dental implant placement usually takes place in two parts: the surgery and the healing process. You will most likely be sedated during surgery, so you should not feel any pain. First, the oral surgeon will make an incision to expose the bone beneath your gums. Next, they will drill a hole in the bone and insert an implant into it. We may have you wear temporary crowns or dentures until your gums heal and stabilize around the implant.
The second part of the procedure involves placing a prosthetic tooth over the implant to look and feel like real teeth. The prosthetic tooth will enable you to chew foods as normal.
Dental Implant Cost
The average cost for a dental implant is $3,000 - $5,000 on a full procedure, including post, abutment, and crown placement. The price also depends on whether you have one or multiple implants done. However, if you are looking for a low-cost option, consider dental bridges or dentures. These options will be less expensive than dental implants but may only last for a short time and not look as natural.
Ultimately, if you are looking for a dental clinic to help you with dental restoration, then Alexandra Garcia, DDS, MS is here for you. Reach us at (713) 960-0505 and schedule your consultation today.FAQs
What is the history of dental implants?
Dental implants date back thousands of years, with ancient attempts using materials like bamboo and metal pegs to replace missing teeth. Modern implants began in the 1960s when titanium was discovered to fuse with bone, leading to the first successful titanium dental implant in 1965 — the foundation of today’s advanced implant dentistry.:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
How did early dental implants differ from modern ones?
Early implants were made from materials like bamboo, seashells, or metal pegs and lacked biological integration. Modern dental implants use biocompatible materials such as titanium that bond with the jawbone through osseointegration, providing stability and long-term function.:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Who developed the first successful modern dental implant?
The first successful modern dental implant was placed in 1965 by orthopedic surgeon Per-Ingvar Brånemark, who discovered that titanium could integrate with bone, laying the groundwork for today’s implant systems.:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Why did modern dental implants become so successful?
Modern dental implants are successful because they are made of biocompatible materials like titanium and designed to fuse with the jawbone securely. This integration supports replacement teeth reliably and preserves bone health — resulting in high long-term success rates.:contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
How have dental implants improved over time?
Dental implants have evolved from simple pegs and animal or human grafts to precision-engineered titanium implants supported by advanced surgical techniques and imaging. These improvements have increased comfort, durability, and long-term outcomes for patients.:contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
|
