What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a state-of-the-art solution for replacing missing teeth, designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. These titanium posts are surgically placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing, bonding with the bone over time and creating a secure base for artificial teeth.
Benefits of Choosing Dental Implants
Opting for dental implants offers numerous advantages:
- Durability: Implants are very durable and can last many years; with good care, many implants last a lifetime.
- Improved Oral Health: Unlike tooth-supported bridges, dental implants do not require reducing other teeth. Because nearby teeth are not altered to support the implant, more of your own teeth are left intact, improving long-term oral health.
- Convenience: Dental implants eliminate the embarrassing inconvenience of removing dentures, as well as the need for messy adhesives to keep them in place.
- Enhanced Comfort: Once the implant integrates with the bone, it becomes part of you. This eliminates the discomfort of removable dentures.
- Easier Eating: Sliding dentures can make chewing difficult. Dental implants function like your own teeth, allowing you to eat your favorite foods with confidence and without pain.
- Improved Self-Esteem: Dental implants can give you back your smile and help you feel better about yourself.
Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Most people who are in good general health and have healthy gums and enough bone in the jaw to hold an implant are candidates for dental implants. Smokers, people suffering from uncontrolled chronic disorders—such as diabetes or heart disease—or patients who have had radiation therapy to the head/neck area need to be evaluated on an individual basis.
The Dental Implant Procedure: What to Expect
Initial Consultation
The first step in the dental implant process is a comprehensive evaluation where your dentist will review your medical and dental history, take X-rays, and create impressions of your teeth and gums. This information is used to ensure that dental implants are the right option for you.
Implant Placement
The implant placement procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia. The surgeon carefully positions the titanium implant into the jawbone where the tooth is missing. This part of the procedure usually takes about 1-2 hours, and you can expect to feel back to normal within a day or two.
Healing and Bone Integration
After the implant is placed, the healing process begins and can take several months. During this time, the implant gradually bonds with the jawbone in a process known as osseointegration. Temporary teeth can be placed so that you can eat and speak normally while waiting for the permanent crown.
Abutment and Permanent Crown Placement
Once your implant has bonded with the jawbone, the next phase involves placing an abutment, which is a post that connects the implant to the replacement tooth. After the soft tissue heals, a custom-made crown will be attached to the abutment.
Post-Surgery Care
Caring for dental implants is similar to caring for natural teeth: brushing, flossing, rinsing with antibacterial mouthwash, and regular dental check-ups.
Potential Risks and Complications
As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks. These include infection at the implant site, injury or damage to surrounding structures, nerve damage, and sinus problems when implants placed in the upper jaw protrude into one of your sinus cavities.
Cost of Dental Implants
The cost of dental implants can vary depending on several factors including the number of teeth being replaced and the need for any additional procedures such as extractions or bone grafts. While implants are an investment, they provide a long-term solution for tooth loss.
Choosing the Right Dental Implant Provider
Selecting a skilled dental professional is crucial to the success of your implants. Look for a provider who has extensive experience in implant dentistry and operates in a well-equipped facility.
Conclusion
Dental implants are a revolutionary advancement in dental technology, offering a durable and discreet choice for those looking to replace missing teeth. By choosing the right dental professional and understanding the steps involved, you can regain your smile and improve your oral health.
