What are dental implants?
Dental implants are typically made of titanium today. They are surgically inserted into the jaw to replace the teeth and their roots. Also, implants can replace much more than just dental structures. They also support the surrounding teeth. When implanted in the jaw, they support various other dental prostheses, such as crowns, bridges, and prostheses.
How is the dental implant made?
An implant is a titanium holder that is used to replace the root of the natural tooth. The implant is essentially a threaded titanium or post titanium screw. This implant is surgically inserted into the jawbone. This titanium post is then attached to a porcelain crown. This porcelain part forms the visible part of the teeth. Once inserted, an implant is as strong as real teeth.
Dental implant procedures
Dental patients may find that much preparation is required before an implantation procedure. The oral surgeon must identify the exact position, shape, and structure of the jaw and mouth. For example, depending on the future position of the implant, it must identify the vicinity of the sinus cavity or lower alveolar nerve canal in the jaw. In addition to the usual dental X-rays, CT scans of the area may be required. It is important to know the exact shape of the jaw and the amount of bone that the implants can support to avoid complications, as well as to prepare an implant that fits exactly in place.
Once planning is complete, the oral surgeon can begin the actual procedure. It is necessary to make a kind of incision in the gum over the place where the implant is inserted. The implant is put in place without any permanent jewelry. There must be time to grow natural bone over it and put it firmly in place. Then a prosthodontist can place crowns or other prostheses over the implant.
Dental implants are particularly useful if the patient has lost too many teeth because there are no support teeth for bridges or dentures. If necessary, one can also opt for a complete reconstruction with dentures.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Dental Implants
Dental implants are a popular choice for people that want to replace lost or broken teeth. There are several ways that a person can deal with this issue. They can live without the teeth that have been lost. This may not be the best choice as it can affect the appearance of an individual and it can affect the way they chew and eat. Another option is the use of dentures or partial dentures. These can provide a better appearance for individuals, but there are limitations to this choice. A third option is the use of dental bonding where a resin is used to fix broken teeth and gaps in the teeth. This option is usually a temporary fix.
Instead of turning to these options, there is a choice that is becoming very popular. Dental
implants are a restorative procedure that can produce great results. The dental implants have
many advantages that make them a good choice. Some disadvantages are
important to consider when choosing this procedure. Considering that 40% of adults between
the ages of 35 to 44 have lost at least one tooth, it is worth looking at the advantages and
disadvantages of dental implants to make a good decision.
Advantages
• Appearance – The dental implants will give a person the most natural-looking
replacement for teeth that have been lost. They can match the color of the natural teeth
and they do not have the metal hooks that are used to keep dentures in place.
• Damage – When you use dentures or dental bonding, it is possible to not only damage the
dentures and the bonded teeth, it is also possible to break, fracture or otherwise damage
the surrounding teeth. Dental implants will not damage the neighboring teeth any more
than natural teeth would.
• Longevity – Dental implants will last longer than other restorative procedures. There is
a 98% success rate for dental implants and even after 10 years in place, there is a 95%
success rate for the implants. Dental bonding will last a year or two and dentures start to
lose their ability to work properly within 5 years.
• Bite strength – The dental implants will give a person the same bite strength as natural
teeth. They will not cause the bone to erode over time. Dentures give a person only half
the bite strength of natural teeth and they lose that strength over time.
Disadvantages
• Surgery – Dental implants are a surgical procedure and any surgery carries some risk.
There is a possibility of swelling or pain after getting a dental implant, although this
should not last more than a few days.
• Replacing the Crown – The top part or false tooth of the implant is called the crown. It
will have to be replaced after 10 or 15 years, although the implant itself will last longer.
• Quality – The quality of implants can vary depending on the dental professional that does
it. It is important to take the time to find the right dentist for dental implants.
We love our patients and love to help them form healthy dental life that will last them a lifetime. For more information call us today to answer all of your questions so get an appointment.