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Dental implants are a type of restorative dental treatment that are used to replace missing teeth. They are artificial tooth roots made of biocompatible materials such as titanium, which are surgically implanted into the jawbone. The implants serve as a stable foundation for artificial teeth, which are attached to the implant posts via abutments.
When a tooth is lost, if the space left behind is not filled with a replacement tooth option, it can be a catalyst for subsequent problems. The creation of this space can mean other teeth have room to move over time, creating misalignment in the bite and smile. This will vary, according to the tooth that’s been lost. Talk to your dentist about the differences you might expect to see and feel after tooth loss.
Dental Implants are the superlative solution for lasting tooth replacement. Surgically implanted posts create a robust, secure support for teeth, providing ultimate comfort as well as natural feel and flexibility. Dental implant procedures restore the complete function and appearance of natural teeth.
One of the key features of implants for patients undergoing surgery is the ability of the bone to fuse to the device once it’s embedded in the jaw. Without substance to maintain integrity, bone will shrink over time and lose contour. This process is called resorption and is something we recognize most evidently in elderly people who have lost all or many of their teeth. With nothing to anchor it in place, bone shrinks over time, resulting quickly in a diminished appearance across the lower half of the face. This is as a result of the body leeching calcium from the bone for redistribution to other areas in need, leaving the jaw with a caved appearance.
Dental implants offer several benefits over traditional tooth replacement options such as dentures or bridges. Some of these benefits include:
Dental implants trigger osseointegration, a process in which the bone works with the surgical grade titanium post, to preserve structure and density. Patients opting for implants can be confident their profile and bone structure will be maintained, retaining the shape and youthfulness of the face.
Implant surgery has been around for almost 50 years, and its advances over the years, has meant around 98% of Americans who receive the treatment, go on to enjoy their new ‘bionic’ teeth for the rest of their lives. The chances of implant surgery not being a success are slim, and your dentist will be able to advise with a high degree of certainty if you are a good candidate.
Dental implants do not decay or age like natural teeth, though they still require normal cleaning, to ensure the surrounding gum remains healthy. With the new dental prosthesis cannot decay, the surrounding teeth can. Implants play a similar role as replacement joints in the hip or shoulder, using similar, advanced materials.
Depending on the number of implants required the process might take up to several months. Treatment plans are unique to each patient, as some cases may require additional dental work to prepare the mouth and gums for the procedure to commence.
As your dentist examines you to determine your suitability, they will assess your teeth as a whole, and identify any areas in need of attention. If gum disease or decay is detected, this will be treated first, to ensure surgery is performed in a healthy environment, free of potential issues impeding a successful procedure.
Once any preparatory work required is completed, the dental practitioner will take impressions of the teeth and gums. Ceramic replacement crowns will match the appearance and color of surrounding teeth exactly. While the new tooth is created in the lab, work can commence on inserting the post in the gum, constructing a new root system to support the crown.
A titanium post is implanted and secured in the jawbone. The integrity of this connection is robust, and will increase over time, as the post fuses to the bone. Titanium implants achieve a new root, which rivals its predecessor, and supersedes it in terms of practicality. Dental implants will not decay or pose the risk of common infection found in natural teeth. With regular cleaning and checkups, dental implants will last a lifetime, and the patient can enjoy the confidence of knowing there is no possibility of it ever needing filled or removed.
After implant surgery, the post will require around two months to settle and fuse to the jawbone. Once the area has fully healed, the finished crown can be fitted. The look and finish of implanted replacement teeth is exactly that of a natural, healthy and attractive tooth. Its function is unparalleled; providing unrestricted bite, strength, and complete confidence in the tooth’s reliability.
Dental implants exist for patients who have lost anything from one, to all of their teeth. Surgery is possible for one to 8 posts; the maximum usually required for a complete set of implants. For patients with complete tooth loss, 4 posts are inserted in both the top and bottom jaw, providing structure and scaffolding, supporting crowns and retaining bone in both density and appearance.
From individual, to multiple or complete dental implants, the patient can be assured that their new teeth and root systems will not run the risk of decay or infection like natural teeth. Regular brushing and flossing, as well as check ups and cleanings are still a crucial part of their dental routine, as neighboring teeth are still prone to infection and decay. Patients with complete dental implants and no remaining natural teeth will still have to ensure optimal oral health is maintained, to prevent infection occurring in the jawbone, compromising the fusion of the implant to the bone.