Dental implants are one of the most impressive technological advances in the dental field. Patients who opt for dental implants enjoy numerous benefits that alternative treatments and procedures don’t offer. If you’re interested in knowing more about dental implants and whether you need them, here is the information you need:
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are titanium frames or posts surgically inserted beneath the gums and either attached to or implanted in the jawbone. They are used to support artificial teeth (crowns) or dentures. The implants act as a replacement for damaged roots, pinning the artificial teeth in place.
There are two types of dental implants:
- Endosteal implants are implanted surgically directly into your jawbone. After your gums heal, your dentist attaches a post to the implant. Finally, the crown or a denture or dental bridge is connected to the post.
- Subperiosteal implants consist of a metal frame that is fitted below the gum tissue and onto the jawbone. As your gum heals, the frame becomes fixed to the jawbone. Posts are then attached to the frame, and finally, crowns or dentures are mounted to the posts. Subperiosteal implants are often used when there is insufficient bone to support an endosteal implant.
What Are The Advantages of Implants?
Implants are fused directly to the jawbone, providing a stable base for artificial teeth. Individual crowns attached to implants act just like natural teeth; dental bridges or dentures mounted on implants won’t shift in your mouth or slip out of place. The secure fit helps bridges and dentures feel more comfortable and natural compared with conventional options.
Further benefits of dental implants include:
- Improved self-esteem
Studies have shown that a healthy smile can improve your mood and self-esteem. Often people do not smile because they are self-conscious about their teeth. Dental implants replace missing or damaged teeth, giving patients the confidence to greet the world with a grin.
- They look and feel like natural teeth
Dental implants look, feel, fit, and function the way healthy, natural teeth do. Unlike dentures, which can slip or trap food particles underneath them, implants allow you to eat, drink, talk, and live your life without worry or inconvenience. - Easier to care for
Maintaining oral hygiene with dental implants is not much different from cleaning your natural teeth, either — there is no need to remove them for cleaning and maintenance. Individual implants are better for your oral hygiene as they allow better access between teeth, making brushing and flossing easier. - Improved oral health
Implants do not need adjacent teeth on either side of the space left by the missing tooth to be ground down to anchor your new teeth. As nearby teeth are not altered to support the implant, none of your healthy teeth will be negatively affected. - Protect your bones and teeth
When you lose teeth, the gaps in your mouth can cause deterioration of your jawbone. Dental implants stimulate bone growth and prevent bone loss. Having dental implants installed early helps prevent bone loss. Additionally, they help you retain your face’s natural shape and smile. - Very cost-effective
While the success rate of a dental implant depends on where the missing tooth is located, the average success rate over ten years is 94.6 percent, with minimal loss in bone density. Implants are durable and convenient. Provided you take proper care of them, they can last a very long time.
Who Can Get Dental Implants?
The best way to determine if you qualify for dental implants is to ask your dentist. Generally, anyone healthy enough to undergo routine dental extraction or dental surgery is considered healthy enough for the procedure. To qualify, you must have healthy gums and adequate bone density in your jaw to anchor the implant. You must also be willing to commit to the care of your implants and go to dental appointments regularly.
People who suffer from chronic disorders such as heart disease and diabetes, patients who have had radiation therapy to their neck or head, or heavy smokers would require evaluation before knowing if they are eligible for dental implants.
What Can You Expect During the Procedure?
The process of getting dental implants begins with developing an individualized treatment plan. The plan determines which issues need to be addressed and outlines possible solutions. This plan is usually prepared by professionals who are trained specifically for oral surgery and restorative dentistry.
The next step is placing the tooth root implant, a small post made of titanium, into the bone socket of the missing tooth. As your jawbone heals, it grows around the implanted titanium post, securely fastening it in your jaw. This process can last from six to 12 weeks.
When the implant has bonded to the jawbone, an abutment is attached to the post to hold your replacement tooth. Making the new tooth involves having the dentist make impressions of your teeth and creating a model of your bite. This model is where your new tooth will be based. The replacement tooth, also called a crown, will be attached to the abutment. For uniformity and aesthetic purposes, your dentist will match the colour of your crown with that of your natural teeth.
Does Getting an Implant Hurt?
There may be minimal discomfort or pain involved with dental implants. Local anesthesia is usually used during the procedure, and many patients report that receiving the implants involve less pain than getting your tooth extracted.
If a patient experiences mild soreness after the implants, they can use over-the-counter pain medications to manage the pain. Your dentist can also prescribe stronger medication, should you need it.
Caring for Your Implants
If you choose to have dental implants, you are committing to their care and maintenance. To avoid complications and to make sure your implants work as well as they should, it is imperative that you strictly follow the dentist’s instructions on how to care for them.
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day
- Floss at least once a day, right before bed
- Limit food and beverages that damage teeth
- Visit your dentist regularly
Your dentist is the best person to answer your questions about dental implants. They can determine if this procedure is right for you, and can suggest alternative treatment plans should dental implants turn out to not be for you.
If you are in the market for dental services in Oshawa, book an appointment with Clearbrook Dental. You can reach us at (905) 434-4244.