Dental implants are artificial teeth replacements made out of titanium and other materials that are safe for the body. A dental implant is basically made up of two parts – a crown, which is the artificial tooth that is attached to the second part, the implant itself, which is a screw that serves as the base that anchors the whole implant to the jawbone.
Dental implants are becoming more popular recently. More and more people have been choosing to get implants because they do not want to get dentures or bridges to replace their missing teeth.
Why should I get dental implants?
Most people get dental implants for aesthetic reasons. They seem like real teeth because the crown mimics the appearance of a real tooth. They are also more realistic looking than dentures or bridges and their colors can be made to resemble the rest of your teeth. Dental implants can improve your appearance and boost your self-confidence.
Dental implants have practical advantages as well. They feel and work like real teeth. They feel so natural and comfortable, as opposed to dentures that can make you feel conscious that you are wearing something in your mouth all the time. Dentures also have the tendency to become loose, painful or uncomfortable when they do not fit properly. You will be able to eat anything that you can eat with real teeth, without worrying that you might ruin them. Switching from dentures to implants can also greatly improve your speech.
Since dentures are removable, they can cause problems and inconveniences to the people who wear them. Removing dentures or having them accidentally slip out are often great sources of embarrassment and cause great anxiety. With dental implants, there is no need to worry about these accidents and awkward moments from happening.
Dental implants are more hygienic without being a hassle because it only requires the same oral care as real teeth. Dentures, on the other hand, need to be taken out to be cleaned and placed on possibly unclean surfaces. They also sometimes require adhesives for them to stay in place. Also, compared to bridges that require whittling down other teeth, with dental implants, the rest of your teeth will be unaffected.
Dental implants are permanent and can last a lifetime with proper care. They are capable of osseointegration; meaning they can fuse with the bone that they are attached to.
How are dental implants attached?
Before anything else, an interested patient should consult a dentist. The dentist needs to assess if the patient is a possible candidate based on the condition of the bone in the area and devise a specific treatment plan. If the bone is not good enough, bone regeneration procedures may need to be done. Smoking and suffering from diabetes and osteoporosis can affect the healing post operation. Gum disease may also be contracted by people suffering from diabetes and women who are pregnant or taking birth control pills.
During the procedure itself, local anesthesia will be used to numb the area. The titanium root or base of the implant will then be attached to the jawbone. It will be left to fuse with the bone for a few months through osseointegration. Once the implant is fully integrated to the bone, a custom made crown will be attached to it. This crown will be made by considering your bite and its placement and color against the adjacent teeth.
What should I do after the procedure?
The implant procedure causes very little pain, actually less than having a tooth extracted. The patient can take pain relievers if desired.
Maintaining dental implants is the same as caring for real teeth. Brushing, flossing and using a mouthwash will also prevent bacterial infection and gum disease. Regular dental checkups are needed as well.
People who have gotten dental implants claim that to have an improved overall quality of life. Consult our dentists if you are also interested in enjoying the benefits of dental implants.
