Having a missing tooth means more than your appearance; it could affect your ability to eat, talk and take care of your mouth. You could have many options available to replace your missing tooth; however, dental implants still remain among the most advanced options available.
Consultation with a highly skilled dental implant dentist will be able to help you understand whether you need implants or not. Samuel Dental Care offers you the chance to use modern dental treatments that are aimed at restoring the appearance and the functionality of your smile.
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What Are Dental Implants And How Do They Work?
Dental implants are titanium screws that are inserted into the jaw bone as artificial tooth roots. They serve as support for a crown, dental bridge or a denture. Unlike bridges and conventional dentures, implants integrate with the bone tissue.
The dental implant procedure usually consists of several steps. To begin with, the dentist inserts an implant post, which is made of some biocompatible material like titanium, into the patient’s jawbone. With time, the implant integrates with the bone in a process known as osseointegration.
When the implant is fully integrated with the jawbone, a crown is inserted to complete the tooth replacement. It results in a natural-looking solution for the lost teeth and increased comfort and functionality for the patient.
There are a number of factors that a dental implant dentist takes into account before the procedure of dental implanting. These include the condition of the jawbone, gums, general oral health, as well as the total number of missing teeth.
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Can Dental Implants Last a Lifetime?
Dental implants are said to be among the most reliable choices in relation to replacing a tooth. While the implant itself can function for many years or even last forever, the crown that is fitted on top of the implant will need to be replaced eventually because of damage.
There are many aspects that you should think about if you are determined to make your dental implants last long, and these are:
- Good oral hygiene
- Regular dental checkups
- Avoidance of bad habits like smoking
- Protecting your teeth from excessive force or trauma
- Post-treatment care
It should be stressed that unlike natural teeth, the implants cannot develop caries. However, it is important to maintain the proper health of the surrounding gums and bones.
Poor oral hygiene may result in development of gum diseases that can negatively affect the implants’ stability. If you visit the dentist specializing in dental implants on a regular basis, you will be able to make sure that your implants and the surrounding tissues are healthy enough.
Advantages of Dental Implants for Replacing Missing Teeth
Dental implants come with a number of advantages over other tooth replacement solutions. First of all, due to their unique design, dental implants can give both esthetic and functional advantages.
Natural Look
First and foremost, one of the most significant benefits of dental implants is their ability to look exactly like natural teeth. The crown will be specially made in order to fit your smile.
Increased Chewing Capacity
Tooth loss could result in difficulty eating some kinds of food. Due to their firm attachment to the jawbone, dental implants offer a level of stability that enhances the biting and chewing capacity of an individual.
Jaw Bone Protection
After the removal of the tooth, there is going to be deterioration of the bone surrounding the site where the tooth was before because there will not be enough stimulation in the bone. The dental implants act as protectors of the jaw bone because of the artificial tooth roots inserted into the bone.
Durability and Low Cost
Though the initial cost involved in dental implants could be higher than other procedures, they provide long-term benefits to many patients through their durability and low maintenance cost.
Who Can Get Dental Implants?
Although there are many people who lack their natural teeth and may thus be regarded as ideal patients for dental implants, a thorough dental evaluation is required prior to the process. Examples of ideal implant patients are those who have healthy gums and jawbones.
Even those patients who have lost some bones can still get the implants after undergoing other procedures, like bone grafting, depending on their individual cases. The improvements in dental technologies made implantation possible even for more patients now.
Your dental implant dentist will examine your dental history, your oral structures, and will determine what treatment is best for you. Besides, the specialist will consider various factors including your medical state, habits, and expectations in order to come up with an optimal implant placement plan.
What to Expect During the Process of the Dental Implants Treatment?
First of all, there is a consultation and examination that you need to go through. In order to create a personalized treatment plan, your dentist may use digital scanning techniques for checking your jawbone.
Then, you need to place an implant post into the jawbone. Next, you need to wait until the post heals in the jawbone. This process usually takes a couple of months.
After the implant has been firmly attached, the abutment and the crown will be added to the dental implant to finalize the procedure. The dentist will ensure that the new tooth will fit well within your bite pattern.
In all of this, you will be under the care of an experienced dental implant dentist who will make sure that the entire procedure is well-planned and conducted in such a way that considers your comfort and dental health.
Conclusion
Dental implants form a perfect and lasting tooth replacement solution. Though there is no dental procedure that would assure permanency without appropriate care, dental implants are specifically developed to be durable and can serve a person for several decades with correct maintenance. With proper dental checkups and personal hygiene practices, dental implants will serve you for a long time.
