Dental implants have changed dentistry by giving people who are missing teeth a lasting way to fix their problems. Dentures can replace missing teeth in a way that looks normal and lasts a long time, whether you’re missing one, a few, or all of your teeth. Dental implants are like fake tooth roots that are carefully put into the jawbone to hold plastic teeth or dental prostheses like bridges, crowns, or dentures in place.
Types of Dental Implants
Endosteal Implants: Dental implants that are placed straight into the jawbone are called endosteal implants. They are the most common type. The shape of endosteal implants can be screws, cylinders, or blades, based on the patient’s bone structure and what the dentist thinks is best.
Subperiosteal Implants: These are different from endosteal implants in that they are put on top of the jawbone but under the gum tissue. Most of the time, people who don’t have enough healthy jawbone to support standard implants get these instead.
All-On-4 Implants: This new method lets a full arch of substitute teeth be put in place using only four implants placed in specific places. For people who need full-mouth repair, all-on-4 implants are a faster and more cost-effective option.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants are better than standard ways of replacing missing teeth, like dentures or bridges, in many ways:
Better Looks: Dental implants feel and look like real teeth, giving you a smile that is smooth and attractive.
Better Functionality: Unlike detachable dentures, dental implants are permanently attached to the jawbone, which makes it easier to bite and chew.
How Long They Last: Dental implants can last a lifetime with the right care and maintenance, making them a long-term option for tooth loss.
Jawbone Preservation: Dental implants help keep the jawbone from breaking down by stimulating the bone tissue around them. This keeps the jawbone from losing density, which can happen when teeth are missing.
Better Oral Health: Unlike bridges, dental implants don’t change the structure of the teeth next to them, so the normal shape of the remaining teeth is kept.
The Dental Implant Process
For most people, getting oral implants takes more than one step and can take months:
Initial Consultation: During the first visit, your dentist will check out your mouth health, talk to you about your treatment goals, and decide if you are a good candidate for dental implants.
Treatment Planning: If your dentist thinks you are a good choice, he or she will make a treatment plan that fits your needs exactly. In order to see how healthy your jawbone is, this may include oral imaging methods like X-rays or CT scans.
Implant Placement: The next step is to have surgery to put the tooth implants into the jawbone. Local anaesthesia is used for this treatment, and sedation may be an option for people who are nervous about going to the dentist.
Osseointegration: After the implants are placed, a process called osseointegration occurs, during which the implants fuse with the surrounding bone tissue. This typically takes several months to complete.
Abutment Placement: After the bone has fused with the implant, abutments are attached to it. These small pieces stick out above the gum line and hold the new teeth in place.
Placement of Replacement Teeth: The final step involves the placement of the replacement teeth or dental prosthetics onto the abutments. These prosthetics are custom-made to match the size, shape, and colour of your natural teeth, ensuring a seamless and natural-looking result.
Maintaining Dental Implants
To make sure they last a long time, dental implants need to be taken care of properly. To keep your implants in good shape, do the following:
Clean Your Teeth Properly: You should brush and floss your teeth every day to get rid of the plaque and germs that are on and around your implants. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste that doesn’t scratch the implant surface to keep it safe.
Get Regular Checkups With Your Dentist: You should see your doctor regularly for check-ups to make sure your implants are healthy and to find any issues early.
Don’t Eat Hard Foods: Don’t chew on tough or sticky foods because they could hurt the implant or the gums that are close to it.
Give Up Smoking: Smoking can slow down healing and make it more likely that an implant will fail. If you smoke, you might want to give up to make your implants last longer.
Conclusion
Dental implants are a long-term way to replace missing teeth that improves your mouth’s health, appearance, and functionality. Understanding the dental implant process and following maintenance requirements can provide long-term benefits for a repaired smile. Consult a knowledgeable dentist like Lane Cove Family Dentist dental implants before deciding on dental implants to find the best treatment plan for your needs and restore confidence in your smile.
