Dental implants replace your missing teeth using safe, state-of-the-art materials that look natural. But considering dental implants, you must also know the risks and benefits.
Learn more about the dental implant procedure before undergoing this treatment and discover its benefits.
Getting to Know Dental Implants
Dental implants are a type of prosthetic that function as artificial structures that replace missing teeth. Consisting of three primary components, this structure ensures stability, longevity, and a seamless appearance with the rest of your teeth.
A dental implant consists of the following:
- The fixture: This part is surgically inserted into the jawbone, just like a tooth’s natural root
- The abutment: The piece linking the implant to the crown
- The crown: The replacement tooth that is tailored to fit your bone structure
Varieties of Dental Implants
Two common varieties of implants exist. They are called endosteal and subperiosteal.
The first type is more common. Usually made of titanium and shaped like tiny screws, these implants are put in the jawbone. They jut out from the gum, holding the substitute tooth.
The second one is specifically for those whose jawbone is not robust enough to sustain the implants. They are put not directly in the jawbone but below the gum line and above the bone.
Advantages of Dental Implants
Compared to dentures, which are removable artificial teeth, implants are more reliable and practical. For example, while dentures have to be removed at night for cleaning, implants can stay in. Furthermore, it feels more natural as the implant matches your natural teeth.
Other advantages include:
- Better chewing abilities
- Low risk of cavities
- Less sensitive to other teeth nearby
- The bone where the lost tooth previously stood is better maintained
Candidacy for Dental Implants
While dental implants offer remarkable benefits, only some are ideal candidates to go through it. The implant’s success hinges on how well the devices bond with your jawbone.
For example, if your bones are not healthy enough, an implant surgery may not be viable for you, or you may need a bone graft before treatment. Or if you have gum disease, there may be additional treatment you must go through first before the implant placement.
How Safe Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants have little risk when executed by skilled dental professionals.
98% of candidates successfully undergo implants. With proper maintenance and routine care, implants may last very long. Around three million Americans have dental implants, and the number increases annually.
But like any medical procedure, implants do carry some risks. These can include infection, implant failure, and inflammation around the implant. To mitigate them, discuss these risks with your dentist.
An Overview of the Steps in the Implant Procedure
The procedure takes several months and has several steps to complete.
- Your dentist will have your oral structure and jawbone photographed and scanned.
- Depending on the reasons for needing an implant, you may need a preparatory procedure such as a bone graft or tooth extraction.
- A partnering oral surgeon will place one or more posts in your mouth to follow the shape of your jawbone beneath your gum line. The healing process may take four to five months.
- Finally, the dentist will place the artificial tooth or crown on the posts.
The reason for the procedure’s lengthy process is osseointegration. The implant must have time to merge with the jawbone and create a solid integration between the abutment and crown.
Replace Teeth in a Natural Way
Dental implants will give you a natural way to replace missing teeth. The procedure is safe and manageable. Although it may take months to complete, the result will be gratifying. Now, discover if a dental implant suits you and discover the solution for your missing teeth.
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