Medically CitedYour smile is one of the few things people notice about you. Missing or broken teeth can have a significant impact on first impressions. Fortunately, you can repair this with dental implants.
Dental implants are the best substitute for natural teeth, both cosmetically and functionally. Want to know more about the dental implant placement process? Here's all you should know. [1]
What are dental implants?
Dental implants, as the name implies, are appliances designed to resemble natural teeth. The majority of them are made of titanium, which provides long-lasting performance and durability.
The implant adheres to your jaw in the same manner as a real tooth would take root beneath the gum line. This post will eventually fuse to your jaw, making the implant feel more natural than any other form of dental restoration.
How does it work?
As with any other dental surgery, the initial stage in the dental implant process is an in-depth patient evaluation. During this period, your dentist will gather information to assess your suitability for dental implants.
They also use the time to learn more about any potential issues you may have that may need to be addressed during the treatment. This simply provides a safe and problem-free implant process.
Following the examination, your dentist will do scans and x-rays of your teeth. These imaging examinations serve as a blueprint, allowing your dentist to accurately plan the specifications of your implants.
Your implant's parts are meticulously crafted to fit properly into your gums and jaw. The crown is meticulously crafted to provide a natural yet enhanced appearance that complements the rest of your teeth.
While most patients are put to sleep for the treatment, some may be able to tolerate a local anesthetic. This is especially true for operations that only require one or two implants, or for smaller dental implants.
During the treatment, the dentist places a titanium post behind your gum line and into your jaw. This is then allowed to recover, and your oral surgeon may insert a temporary denture for cosmetic reasons.
The healing process may take several weeks or months. The objective of this waiting period is to allow the bone and implant to bond using a process known as osseointegration. Once that is done, your dentist will place the abutment. [2]
This portion functions like a screw and acts as an interface between the post and the real crown. To implant the abutment, your dentist reopens the gum, screws the piece in place, and then closes the gums around the new abutment.
Then there's the crown. This part is screwed into the abutment to finish the process. With time, your new implant should begin to feel more natural as the post fuses with your jaw and further stabilizes the crown as you chew.
How dental implants help?
Health Benefits of Dental Implants. Shutterstock Image
There are several reasons why dental implants are regarded as the most effective dental replacement available today:
Natural - Of course, the most significant benefit of dental implants is that they seem and feel more natural than any other replacement. They are intended to function similarly to natural teeth by fusing to your jawbone.
They also lack the fake gum line found in dentures, making them appear more natural.
Bone loss prevention – Your teeth serve as an anchor for your jaw and help to maintain bone health. But if they fall out, your jawbone may retreat. As people's jaws change form and density, those who wear dentures may need to replace them over time. This may affect the contour and look of the face.
implants may reduce bone loss by maintaining the strength and density of the surrounding bones by joining with them.
Easy upkeep – Caring for dentures may be a pain. Dentures require frequent cleaning, which can take a long time since they let food particles and other impurities enter.
Implants, on the other hand, will not require any adjustments to your dental care regimen. You may floss and brush them just like you would ordinary teeth.
Stability - A bridge or denture may be able to replace a lost tooth, but they do not support surrounding teeth. As time passes, teeth may move to the vacant area, causing their alignment to change.
An implant fills an existing gap, preventing teeth from moving into it. This differs from dentures or bridges, which merely cover the gap without anchoring against adjacent teeth in the gum line.
Long-lasting - While more expensive than other types of dental restorations, implants can last a lifetime. Aside from normal dental checkups, there is no need to return to the dentist to maintain or replace implants once they have been put in unless they have been damaged.
Durable - Of course, dental implants are durable. Implants are significantly stronger than other types of replacements because the pressure is channeled to the bone rather than the tooth itself.
Types of dental implants
When discussing the different types of implants, people typically refer to the materials used in the procedure. In general, the post is usually always constructed of titanium. This lightweight substance is the preferred material for the leading dental implant brands due to its high resilience and long-lasting performance.
Ceramic implants are now available at an increasing number of dental clinics. They are often designed as a single piece, necessitating more accuracy for successful installation. These are recommended for people who may be sensitive to metals.
The crown might be constructed of ceramic or porcelain. Your dentist may propose metal crowns for hidden back molars to increase durability for grinding and chewing food. Keep in mind that crowns can be damaged via wear and use, but repairing them should not be difficult.
How long do dental implants last?
In theory, implants should last for a lifetime. With good maintenance and hygiene, you should not have any issues with your implants. However, the crown itself is susceptible to harm.
Crowns, which are often constructed of ceramic or porcelain, can fracture or break. In such a scenario, you'll need to get them replaced. However, because the implant is already in place, all that remains is to have a new crown fashioned and screwed into place.
Conclusion
In conclusion, dental implants offer a natural, durable, and long-lasting solution for missing or broken teeth. With proper care, they can enhance both appearance and functionality, providing stability and preventing bone loss. Invest in dental implants for a confident smile and improved quality of life.
2 Sources
We review published medical research in respected scientific journals to arrive at our conclusions about a product or health topic. This ensures the highest standard of scientific accuracy.
[1] "Dental Implants Houston, TX | Single & Full Mouth Implants." Bellaire Modern Dental | Houston, TX, 1 Mar. 2024, www.bellairemoderndental.com/dental-implants-houston.[2] "Osseointegration - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics." 9 Apr. 2024, doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-812258-7.00007-1.
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