Dental Implants in Royal Oak, MI
Getting dental implants is among the more common dental procedures. Dental implants combined with crowns will replace lost teeth, allowing you to complete your smile. Nearly 180 million Americans are missing at least one tooth, according to the American College of Prosthodontists, while Reuters reports that roughly 3 million Americans have at least one dental implant. If you're considering dental implants, contact Dr. Douglas Eades in Royal Oak, MI.
Here’s What Dental Implants Are
A dental implant replaces the root of a missing or removed tooth and fills up the hole that would otherwise be left behind. Typically, dental implants are made out of strong, corrosion-resistant materials, such as titanium or zirconia.
Even once a dental implant is installed, however, you’ll still have a gap in your smile. This is where a dental crown comes into play. A dental crown is shaped like a tooth and is fastened to the dental implant. Combined, a crown and dental implant form a replacement tooth.
When choosing a dental implant and crown, considering different types of materials is important. An expertly installed dental implant made out of a strong material can last a lifetime.
Titanium is among the most common materials used for dental implants and has been around since roughly 1950. Not only is titanium strong and resistant to corrosion, but it also allows the bone to grow. Over time, the bone in your jaw may grow right up next to the titanium, creating a tight fit.
Titanium certainly doesn’t look like a natural tooth material. In practice, however, a dental implant mostly sits below the gum line, so even with a titanium implant, you can still enjoy a natural-looking smile.
In recent years, zirconia has become a popular and often preferred alternative to titanium. Zirconia offers the benefit of more closely resembling a natural tooth. Rather than a shiny metal, zirconia offers a stoic white color that can meld with well-cared-for teeth.
You can also opt to install a titanium dental implant and a zirconia crown. The crown will more closely resemble a natural tooth when compared to a metal crown (such as a gold crown).
Not sure which material is best for you? Visit Dr. Douglas Eades in Royal Oak, MI to discuss your options.
When Do You Need a Dental Implant?
Dental implants are often needed if a tooth is missing or must be removed. If a tooth is infected, your dentist may recommend that you undergo a root canal. If so, the natural tooth is repaired and filled in. Damaged teeth (say, a chipped tooth) can also be repaired.
That said, your dentist may recommend removing the tooth and replacing it with a dental implant and crown.
Want to learn more? Call (248) 547-8730 to speak with Dr. Douglas Eades in Royal Oak, MI, about dental implants and crowns!