Dental Implants
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are the gold-standard, complete, permanent restoration option for missing tooth or teeth. They are composed of titanium or zirconium posts that are screwed into the jawbone of the missing teeth. These posts serve as the strong anchor for the prosthetic replacements which could be a dental crown, bridge, or denture, as per the number of missing teeth.
Tooth implants are most preferred among patients with missing teeth as they function, appear, and feel just like natural teeth. With them, patients don’t even remember that they have something installed in their mouth and so continue to take care of their fake teeth just like they have been doing for their real teeth. The best part is that dental implants have proven success rates of about 98%. This assures patients interested in dental implants do not have to worry about implant failure.
Who Can Get Dental Implants?
Tooth implants are suitable for anyone having one or more missing adult, natural teeth and is not happy living with dentures or bridges. For all those seeking permanent, natural dental restoration, dental implants may be recommended by dentists only when they fulfill the eligibility criteria for getting dental Implants.
Here are the factors that decide one’s candidacy for dental implants:
- Gum and jawbone health: Healthy gums and enough jawbone are necessary to have successful dental implants.
- Age and facial development: Adults who have fully developed jaws are allowed to get dental implants.
- Current medications: Anyone who is on blood thinners is not a good candidate for dental implants as they would be at high risk of bleeding.
- Others: Smokers and alcohol abusers are not recommended with dental implants as smoking and alcohol intake can impede healing after implant surgery.
- Overall health: Those who are in good general health are at low risk of implant complications or infections and so are good candidates for dental implants.
Advantages of Dental Implants:
- Are more natural and comfortable
- Have a higher success rate
- Improve chewing function
- Lead to a lower risk of cavities developing in nearby teeth
- Lead to better maintenance of bone at the site of the lost tooth
- Cause decreased sensitivity in nearby teeth
- Do not need to be taken out and cleaned every night
However, dental implants are not suitable for everyone. The implanting devices must bond with the jawbone, so a person’s bones must be healthy before they can undergo implant surgery.
Types
There are two types of dental implants: endosteal and subperiosteal.
Endosteal Implants
Endosteal implants are the most common type. A surgeon embeds them in the jawbone, and each can hold one or more artificial teeth.
Subperiosteal
A surgeon affixes a subperiosteal implant on top of the jawbone. Dental surgeons choose this option for people who do not have much height to their jawbone.
Conclusion
Dental implants are fixtures in the bone that replace missing teeth. Implants have a high success rate and can provide long-term benefits.
Other Services
Dental Exam & Cleaning
Research has proved that there is a strong link between your oral health and systematic health conditions.
Orthodontics
Dentistry field includes various stages and steps. Orthodontics focuses on addressing malocclusion, or unbalanced bites.
Dental Veneers
Dental Veneers are the less painful alternative way to make your teeth better in appearance.
