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Don't Let Dieting Impact Your Oral Health

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Don't Let Dieting Impact Your Oral Health

Like many people who need to lose a few pounds, I try diet after diet in an attempt to find one that finally works for me. I learned the hard way that I need to make sure any diet will not harm my teeth, even if it does help me lose a few pounds. I learned this lesson when following a grapefruit diet. There are many versions of this, but the version I tried had me eat a grapefruit alone several times each day. It was supposed to suppress my appetite. I helped keep me from munching on unhealthy snacks, but the acid in the fruit took a toll on my tooth enamel and I quickly started getting lots of cavities. I created this blog to remind people that change up their diets often to make sure the foods they are eating are not harming their teeth.

An Overview Of The Three Min Pats Of The Dental Implant

22 November 2019
 Categories: Dentist, Blog

Having an artificial object in the mouth at all times, such as a dental implant, is disconcerting to many people. However, an understanding of such dental prostheses can help ease some of the fear. Below is a brief overview of the major parts of a dental implant.

Fixture

The dental implant fixture acts as the root for your new artificial tooth. The dentist drills a hole into your jawbone and inserts the fixture such that it sits below your gum line. Over time, the fixture fuses with the jawbone so much that it becomes, for all intents and purposes, part of your body. The fusion process is known as osseointegration, and it is crucial to your implant's healing success.

The implant fixture can be made from three major categories of materials:

  • Metal such as titanium, stainless steel, and gold alloy
  • Ceramics such as zirconia, bioglass, and carbon
  • Polymers, such as polyurethane, polyethylene, and polysulfone 

However, the use of titanium is more common than other materials. The right material should be strong, durable, nonreactive, and relatively inexpensive.

Abutment

The abutment sits between and connects the fixture (implant root) and the false tooth. The abutment is necessary because the fixture itself sits below the gum line. The abutment can be an integrated part of the fixture or it can be a separate appliance.

Just like the fixture, the abutment can also be metal, ceramic, or polymer materials. The strength, weight, durability, and inertness of the material are some of the things that matter. In some cases, the abutment is fixed on the same day as the fixture. In other cases, the fixture is left to heal before the abutment is placed.

Prosthesis

The prosthesis, the topmost part of the dental implant, is the actual false tooth that replaces your missing tooth. The prosthesis is designed to look, in shape, size, and color, just like your natural tooth. The prosthesis is attached to the abutment either via a screw or dental cement or snapped into place.  

The prosthetic can be a dental crown, bridge, or denture. Strength, durability, and aesthetics of the implant prosthetic are some of the major factors that determine the best material to use. Porcelain is the common material for prosthesis, but metal allows can also serve a similar function.

Ask your dentist anything you want to know about your dental implant during the initial consultation. That way, you will be better prepared for the treatment and care of the implant.

For more information on dental implants, reach out to a dentist.