Dental Implants

Dental Implants Can Replace Missing Teeth

If a person prefers a permanent fixture in the mouth to fill up gaps and does not want to use removable dentures then having dental implants to replace missing teeth is the next and best choice.

What Is a Dental Implant?

Dental implants are characterized by the presence of a titanium post which mimics the root of a normal tooth. The implant is fixed into place in your lower or upper jaw bone. The metal titanium is particularly successful at fusing with the bone, due to the fact that osteoblasts form on and in the roughened surface of the titanium implant. Once the bone successfully surrounds the implant, it is then in a position to hold a bridge, crown or even a fixed denture in the same way that roots play the role of holding natural teeth. Dental implants function and feel similar to natural teeth, particularly when custom-made crowns have been fixed into place.

Advantages of Dental Implants

Bridges that have been secured through the use of implants are far more comfortable and secure than traditional dentures, as no movement or slippage takes place. This means an end to sore areas, slurring speech or problems with chewing. Once dental implants are in place it is possible to chew and eat as normal. Dental implants do not need to use nearby teeth to anchor them, as happens with fixed bridges.

Dental implants fuse into your jawbone, which helps enhance bone health. With traditional dentures, any bone that surrounded any missing tooth starts to become reabsorbed.

Dental implants can be used for:

• Single tooth replacement
• Multiple teeth replacement
• Full mouth replacement.

Single Tooth Replacement

For the complete replacement of a single tooth by a dental implant, a crown needs to be positioned on the implant. A dental lab has to custom make the crown once an impression has been undertaken of the dental implant by your dentist.

Replacement of a Few Teeth

A partial dental bridge is used which bridges the gap that has been formed by the absence of any missing teeth. This bridge is composed of two crowns on the dental implants, which are fixed on both sides of the hole with an artificial tooth or teeth placed in between.

Full Teeth Replacement by Using Dental Implant Technology

When all teeth are absent from the lower or upper jaw, you may select a full bridge,

which gets its support from the use of dental implants. Another option is a denture fixed down through the use of dental implants. A full bridge, once fixed, is attached to at least four dental implants, which may be removed only by your dentist.

If the denture supported by dental implants is used, it is linked through attachments to at least two dental implants. This allows for easy removal. Once fixed in position the denture will be securely affixed to these dental implants, with very little chance of it working loose.

What solution is worked out between you and your dentist will partly reflect the quality and volume of bone still available. Fixed bridges and dentures supported by dental implants will enable you to chew, smile and speak with renewed confidence.

If all your teeth are absent, a full bridge supported by dental implants provides added benefits over the use of dentures. In most cases dental implants have the ability to integrate well with the bone, which preserves its structural integrity and health. Traditional dentures had the opposite role, and allowed the bone to contract around any missing teeth, often resulting in not such an attractive smile.

Procedure for dental implant treatment

The first visit to the dentist is a consultation and will reveal the plan for your teeth. At the second visit, an impression will be taken of your teeth. At the third visit, the implant surgery will commence and this will include teeth extraction if required. The fourth and fifth visits entail the placement of the permanent teeth. The final visit is when the suture is removed and the teeth are examined.

Risks with dental implants

This is a minor surgical technique and does not present any specific risks. Normal procedures have to be followed, as with any type of oral surgery, such as the use of appropriate anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics to offset any possibility of infection

How long do dental implants last?

Dental implants may require periodic adjustments but they can last for a lifetime when correctly placed and looked after over time.

Tooth decay and dental implants

Cavities will not occur in replacement teeth fitted onto dental implants but it is still necessary to clean the teeth in the normal way and take care of the adjoining gums too. Regular visits to the dentist are just as important as for those people who still have natural teeth.

Dental implant treatment has a built up a track record of long term, reliable and successful outcomes and is often considered to be one of the best treatments for repairing or replacing missing teeth.

If you are interested in being assessed for dental implants contact anyclinics who will find a suitable dentist near you that will suit your requirements.