Dental solutions address a variety of oral conditions and enhance overall well-being. From traditional fillings to cosmetic whitening, numerous options exist. One reliable and aesthetically appealing solution is a dental implant.
Here’s everything you need to know about dental implants:
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are surgical devices or roots placed inside a person’s jawbone beneath the gums. These artificial devices provide support for replacement teeth such as crowns, bridges, or dentures.
The inserted roots are typically made of titanium and the structure that connects them to the replacement tooth is called abutment. A dental implant is used to restore the person’s ability to chew and the overall function of the jaw.
Reasons for Dental Implants
Here are seven signs you might need dental implants:
- Missing teeth
- Broken or cracked teeth
- Infected or decayed teeth
- Severe gum inflammation
- Loose dentures
- Loose dental bridges
- Difficulty in speech due to missing or misaligned teeth
You can opt for single dental implants to replace one or more missing teeth. Hybrid dental implants are also common. They replace the entire upper or lower arch, with 5-6 implants each.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Improved Oral Health
One missing tooth can lead to a myriad of problems. Dental implants can prevent bite problems, jawbone deterioration, and loose adjacent teeth. They can preserve the dental structure of your face and improve chewing function.
Natural Looking Tooth
The crowns put on top of the surgical screws are completely customized. They are made to match the shape and color of the rest of your teeth. As a result, the crown mimics the look and feel of your natural teeth.
Long-Lasting
Titanium dental implants are a long-term investment and will get your money’s worth. Unlike dentures or dental bridges, replacing them every 5-10 years is not necessary. Your dental implants will last as long as you take good care of them.
Comfortable and Secure
With dentures, the fear of slipping and shifting is imminent. Since dental implants are customized, they fit securely inside your mouth. There is no discomfort while chewing or speaking.
Preserve Jawbone
When you lose a tooth, the surrounding bone begins to slip leading to bone loss. The artificial roots provide your jaw stimulation to effectively chew and speak. Moreover, titanium is a biocompatible material which means it can fuse with your jawbone over time.
Process of Implant
Every patient undergoes a different procedure, depending on their age and oral condition. Here are the general steps of a dental implant:
Consultation
The first step is to consult your general dentist. In most cases, you will be referred to an oral surgeon who’ll determine the best course of action. The surgeon will also conduct X-rays or CT scans to assess bone density.
Surgery
Under local anesthetic, your dentist will cut into your gum and drill a hole in your jawbone to place a titanium post.
Healing
The stitches placed over your titanium roots will come out in a couple of weeks however, the surgical site will take three to five months to heal.
Crown Placement
Once the site has completely healed, your dentist will place an abutment and then a custom-made crown to complete the procedure.
