Dental implants are a long-term investment in your oral health and appearance. They require careful attention to detail, attentiveness to symptoms such as pain and swelling, and regular dental check-ups.
The first step is a dental exam, which may include a bone graft (if the jawbone doesn’t have enough space). This graft may be done using natural or synthetic donor bone.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are metal fixtures that a surgeon fastens to your jawbone to hold artificial replacement teeth. Since they resemble genuine teeth the most, they are the gold standard in tooth replacement. Unlike traditional bridges and dentures, which use natural teeth for support, dental implants are anchored to the bone through osseointegration. This means they are permanent, feel, look, and function like natural teeth.
They were invented in 1952 by Swedish orthopedic surgeon Per-Ingvar Branemark, and today are the preferred treatment for replacing missing teeth. The term “dental implant” describes the entire system — the screw-like titanium implant post and the artificial tooth that goes on top of it (called the crown).
Individuals in good health for oral surgery or a standard dental extraction are generally suitable candidates for dental implants. Commitment to regular dental exams, maintaining good oral hygiene, and possessing adequate upper or lower jaw bones to support the implant are essential criteria. However, individuals who are heavy smokers or have uncontrolled chronic diseases like diabetes may not be ideal candidates for dental implants Beverly Hills, CA, as these conditions can compromise the gums and bone in the implant placement area.
A bone transplant or sinus lift procedure can raise the ridge in patients whose jawbone cannot support an endosteal implant. Another option is a zygomatic implant, which goes into the cheekbone and secures it instead of the jaw.
What are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
The most evident advantage of dental implants is that they have the same appearance, texture, and functionality as real teeth. They can maintain the natural shape of your face by stopping the loss of bone that occurs when teeth are gone, and they have no discernible effect on your ability to chew food or talk. Dental implants can support both fixed and removable dentures, as well as replace one or more teeth. They are typically made of titanium, a metal that is bio-compatible and which fuses directly with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration.
In addition to being durable, dental implants can last a lifetime with proper maintenance.
Due to their stability in the mouth, these artificial teeth can be cleaned and flossed like natural teeth. You cannot smoke or clench your teeth since the implant site needs to heal for several months before the crown is fitted.
Anyone healthy enough for oral surgery can usually get an implant. Patients with uncontrolled chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease, as well as those who have had radiation therapy to the head or neck region, might not be good candidates. Implants can also fail if they are exposed to too much pressure or trauma, and it is, therefore, essential that you have adequate bone density to support an implant.
What are the Procedures for Dental Implants?
Before discussing dental implants with you, your dentist or oral surgeon will examine your mouth to ensure you have enough bone to support an implant. If not, they might have to do a sinus lift or bone transplant to strengthen and densely pack the jawbone where the implant is going to be placed. This procedure is only sometimes necessary, but it is essential to ensure the success of your dental implant.
During the implant surgery, your dentist will administer anesthesia to ensure you are comfortable. They will then make a small hole or socket into the jawbone, where they will place the implant post. Then, they will wait for the bone to grow and fuse with it. This is known as osseointegration. You may need to use a temporary denture or crown during this time.
Once the implant has bonded with the jawbone, a connector post called an abutment is attached. A replacement tooth or teeth are then laced on top of the abutment.
Although dental implants require more care and maintenance than tooth restoration options, they are a long-term solution, providing superior durability and aesthetics. They also do not damage the natural teeth next to the hem like a dental bridge. Moreover, they can be easily brushed and flossed to keep them clean.
What are the Aftercare of Dental Implants?
Dental implants are titanium fixtures that integrate with the living bone cells of your jaw through osseointegration. This builds a solid foundation for the replacement teeth to feel and appear like natural teeth. Implants are secure and long-lasting compared to dentures that can slip and make noise.
Implants can replace one lost tooth, many neighboring teeth, or every tooth in the upper and lower jaw. They can also support a fixed or removable denture. If your denture has some issues like cracks, chips, fractures, or broken denture teeth then you need walk-in denture repair near me. Repairing dentures typically involves several steps and may require professional assistance Today’s implants are primarily bio-compatible titanium, which offers strength and durability. Research is underway to determine if other materials, such as zirconium, might be suitable for use in future dental implants.
Proper dental care is vital for successful implants. This includes flossing, brushing your teeth twice daily, and scheduling routine cleaning appointments with your dentist or hygienist. Bone health and strength depend on a diet high in calcium, vitamin D3, and other nutrients.
Dental implants can permanently replace lost teeth but must be maintained regularly. The most important thing to do is to keep the area around the implant clean and bacteria-free. A soft-bristled toothbrush and an interdental brush help reach hard-to-reach areas. It would help if you also refrain from chewing or smoking around the location of an implant.
