Although dental care improvements have been made, millions of people continue to suffer from tooth loss because of periodontal disease, tooth decay, and injury. In the past, people only had the option to get dentures or bridges if they had missing teeth. However, dental implants have changed everything.
What Are Dental Implants?
In the simplest of words, dental implants make for replacement tooth roots. They offer a strong foundation for the placement of removable or permanent replacement teeth that look just like natural teeth.
Types of Dental Implants
When it comes to dental implants, you have three types to choose from as mentioned below.
- Endosteal Implants
The most common type of dental implants that you will come across is endosteal implants. They are recommended to the majority of patients. However, a healthy jawbone is crucial for attaching these implants. They have the same shape as screws and are placeholder posts. After the procedure is complete, it should not take much time for it to heal. But, you should know that it takes time to fuse the implants and provide a strong foundation. Once the endosteal implants have healed, the false teeth would be placed.
- Subperiosteal Implants
If you are someone who doesn’t like to have something stuck on his or her teeth, you will find the subperiosteal implants to be a better choice. They are a popular alternative as they rest on top of the jawbone but still remain under the gum.
The metal frame is attached to the gum. Once it heals, the false teeth would be secured onto the poles. The procedure is only performed where the patient does not have a jawbone that is strong enough to place the implant or if the patient simply does not want to undergo intensive oral surgery for adding more bone to the region.
- Zygomatic Implants
Finally, another type of implants that are available includes zygomatic implants. They require a very complicated procedure to be placed. Therefore, patients who do not have enough jawbones should go for this option. The implant would be placed on the cheekbone instead of the jawbone.
Benefits of Dental Implants
According to My Dentist San Francisco, Conventional bridges and dentures are not fixed to the bone, and can therefore be unstable. Implants, on the other hand, not only look more natural but feel and act more like normal teeth, with a stronger biting force. Furthermore, dental implants offer a ton of benefits as mentioned below.
- Improved Appearance: They are designed to look and feel just like the surrounding teeth. As they are fused with the jawbone, they are a permanent option.
- Improved Speech: Unlike dentures that may slip when you mumble, dental implants help improve your speech in ways you cannot even imagine.
- Improved Comfort: Dental implants help eliminate any discomfort that you would otherwise feel if you wear removable dentures.
- Easier Eating: A great thing about dental implants is that they function just like your original teeth. This means that you get to eat all of your favorite foods without experiencing any pain.
- Improved Self-Esteem: When you wear dental implants, you will feel a lot better about the way you look and feel.
- Improved Oral Health: By opting for dental implants, you get to ensure that other teeth are not reduced. Since surrounding teeth do not get altered for supporting dental implants, the teeth nearby would be left intact which would help improve your oral health. Besides, individual implants offer better access between your teeth which assists in improving oral hygiene.
- Durability: One of the best things about dental implants is that they tend to be very durable and can last a long time as long as you take good care of them.
- Convenience: Dental implants do not need to be removed, unlike dentures. This means that you benefit from better convenience.
Dental Implants Procedure
When it comes to getting dental implants, it is important to keep in mind that the procedure can be quite complicated. This is why the procedure cannot be performed in one visit. Instead, it would take a few weeks to complete. After you have consulted with the dentist and the procedure has been approved, a plan will be created by the dentist based on your needs.
During the first visit, the screw would be implanted into the jawbone and it would take anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks for your gum to grow around it. Next, the abutment would be placed to connect the crown and the implant. To create the crown, moulds of the teeth are taken and fashioned to make the impression. Then, check-ups will be likely to determine if the implants have been perfectly fitted.