Many people wonder what it is about dental implants that allows them to work and feel just like any of their natural teeth. Well, it turns out that the reason for this is the fact that, much like your natural teeth, your dental implants are fused to your jawbone. This is thanks to a process called osseointegration. Because of this process, your dental implants are accepted by your body as being no different than any of your remaining natural teeth. Today, Dr. Anthony Dailley is blogging from his Berkeley, CA office in order to talk about osseointegration and how it allows dental implants to provide the best possible replacement teeth.
How Osseointegration Works
One of the most amazing things about the jawbone is the fact that it has the natural ability to heal itself. In fact, it is capable of regenerating its own bone tissue, which dental implants take advantage of. Using this process, dental implants are able to better anchor themselves in place among your natural teeth. It is this process specifically that is referred to as osseointegration. And, it is only possible because titanium, which is the metal that implants are made from, is not recognized by your body as an unnatural material.
During the implant procedure, the implant fixture is placed in the empty spot left behind by the missing tooth. This placement stimulates the jawbone’s natural ability to heal itself. During the three to six month recovery period after the implant procedure, new bone tissue will grow up along the surface of the implant fixture. The implant fixture is also typically covered in small holes and ridges, which your jawbone will thread itself through as it heals, pulling your dental implant permanently into place. It is thanks to this process that dental implants possess unrivaled comfort, strength, and stability.
Because of how intense the dental implant procedure is, there are some steps you will need to take to ensure that osseointegration is able to happen as it should. For instance, we recommend that you do not chew with your healing dental implant, as undue pressure can put the healing process at risk. It is also wise to avoid drinking with a straw because the suction can dislodge the blog clot that protects your healing implant from bacteria and debris. Lastly, it is a good idea to quit smoking, seeing as the habit can increase your chances of oral infection.
Call and Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Dailley
It is thanks to osseointegration that dental implants are capable of providing such well received replacement teeth. Because of osseointegration, your dental implants are locked permanently in place, ensuring that they should never get loose or move out of place. As a result, your dental implants will require no additional maintenance other than your normal brushing and flossing to stay healthy for a lifetime. If you would like to learn more about the various treatments available using dental implants that are available for our patients, we encourage you to contact us and schedule a no-obligation consultation with dental implant provider, Dr. Anthony Dailley, today.