What Is Osseointegration and Why Does It Set Dental Implants Apart from Other Tooth Replacement Options?

Is your smile incomplete due to a missing tooth or multiple teeth? If so, you may have already started considering your tooth replacement options. Many options are available to individuals in the Golden, Colorado area who visit Dr. Jamie Richard and the team at Dentistry at Golden Ridge. Dr. Richard and her skilled team offer several tooth replacement options to patients that include dental bridges, dentures (partial and full), and dental implants. 

With multiple options, how do you know which one is right for you? Many dentists will tell you that a dental implant will be your best bet due to the benefits they present, which other tooth replacement options cannot match.

What Is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a post made of titanium surgically implanted into your jaw to replace one, several, or even all of your teeth. A dental implant has three components: the post, the abutment, and the prosthesis. The post is the previously mentioned portion, which is surgically inserted. The abutment is attached to the post and allows the tooth prosthesis (usually a dental crown) to be attached to the implanted post.

Why Choose a Dental Implant?

When you talk to your dentist about tooth replacement options, you will be presented with several options. So, what sets a dental implant apart from a dental bridge or dentures? The biggest advantage that a dental implant holds over these other alternatives is that it not only replaces your tooth above the gumline but also below it. Your natural teeth consist of the portion above the gumline (called the crown) and the root, which is embedded in your jawbone below the gumline. A dental implant is the only tooth replacement option that replaces the entire tooth. Bridges and dentures merely rest on the gum line, only replacing the crown portion.

What Is Osseointegration?

Osseointegration is the process in which the jawbone fuses to the newly inserted implant. If the jawbone did not fuse or bond with the implant post, it would not be a strong or sturdy solution for tooth replacement. However, because this osseointegration process takes place, a firm and durable bond is created. This bond is what creates the anchor for your dental implant.

This process is vital for another reason. Your natural tooth has its root embedded in your jawbone. Anytime you bite down, your jaw is receiving stimulation from this force. Your jawbone relies on this stimulation to remain healthy. When stimulation is lost, your jawbone will begin to break down and deteriorate, being reabsorbed back into your body over time. Dental bridges and dentures are not able to replace this missing stimulation. This can only be achieved with a dental implant. This is why dentists call dental implants the “gold standard” of tooth replacement.

Learn More About Dental Implants from Your Local Dentist

If you are in the Golden, CO, area and would like to learn more about dental implants or want to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jamie Richard and the team at Dentistry at Golden Ridge, please call (303) 951-8515 today.

Share this Article