Dental implants are considered one of the best treatments for replacing missing teeth. They are a non-natural tooth root, usually made of titanium, which is positioned in the jaw to restore or replace the missing tooth. It is the perfect option for people who have lost a tooth due to an injury, periodontal disease, or any other reason. These implants function and look like natural teeth. It is a welcome relief for a lot of people, who prefer dental implants to dentures, which can be uncomfortable, or bridgework.
The Dental Implant Procedure
A periodontist will brief you about the procedure and how the dental implant will be placed. The treatment plan will be decided according to your oral condition and the type of implant you have chosen. For a single tooth replacement, a single implant and a crown is enough. If you need to replace a number of teeth, an implant supported full denture or bridge will be necessary.
The dental implant surgery involves several procedures. It may require more than one surgical procedure after a thorough examination, which includes a detailed study of your teeth and mouth through X-rays. The final treatment plan will depend on many other factors, and some of them include the number of teeth to be replaced, the condition of your jawbone, your medical condition, and any ailments.
Types of Dental Implants
Dental implants are of two types – Endosteal and Subperiosteal. Endosteal is the most commonly adopted dental implant, in which different types of screw or blades are placed into the jawbone. Every implant is capable of holding one or more prosthetic teeth and it’s an excellent alternative for people with removable dentures or bridges.
With the Subperiosteal option, the implants are placed on top of the jaw while the metal framework that protrudes through the gum holds the prosthetics. This type of implant is done on people who have minimum bone height, and are unable to wear dentures.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants are extremely beneficial for people who have one or more missing teeth that need replacement. Fixed bridge or dentures have various other problems associated with them – removable dentures are prone to slipping and can make peculiar sounds while speaking or eating, whereas fixed bridges are prone to affect the neighbouring healthy teeth. Removable dentures sometimes may lead to bone loss in the area where the tooth was missing. Dentures and bridges need replaced every 15 years due to the above reasons.
Dental implants on the other hand do not slip or make noises that cause embarrassment, and others won’t realize that you have an artificial tooth. They also don’t decay like fixed bridges since they fuse with the jawbone and there is no bone loss. With dental implants, you can enjoy the benefits of a full set of health, natural teeth without any compromises.
Dental implants are much like your natural teeth and necessitate the same care, and regular dental visits, to keep them healthy. Your dentist will carefully chart a dental care plan to ensure the dental implants stay healthy and clean, and it will typically involve the usual methods such as brushing, flossing and mouthwash. By maintaining good oral hygiene, and visiting the dentist regularly, you can expect your implants to last for many years.
Stuart is an avid heatlh blogger and enjoys writing about fitness and medical treatment. He has a keen interest in sport and music, and recently had a missing tooth replaced with a dental implant at the Glasgow Smile Clinic.