Dental implants are a common solution for those looking to replace one or many teeth.
A surgical mechanism is put into the jaw bone and fuses with the bone for a month or two until it is healed. The implant is placed to serve as the “root” of the missing tooth.
With the implant in place, a replacement tooth can be placed. The dental implant is the best procedure if you are looking for the appearance and feel of a natural tooth. Each implant is extremely stable and has the ability to stand alone.
If you are looking to replace a tooth or many teeth, dental implants are a good option. Dental implants will restore the function of your teeth, in addition to enhancing the smile. Bridges and removable dentures are also options, but they are nowhere near as effective or as comfortable as a healed dental implant.
When considering dental implants over the traditional bridges and dentures, consider these benefits:
- Implants can be placed without altering the teeth around it.
- Implants are very stable and do not have to be removed regularly.
- Implants look like natural teeth.
Typically, two types of dental implants have been used; endosteal and subperiosteal. Endosteal options are placed completely within the bone, and subperiosteal implants are put just under the gum tissue on the jawbone. Subperiosteal implants are no longer used in the industry because they didn’t last as long as endosteal implants, and had less desirable results.
Primarily, the use of the dental implant is simply to replace missing teeth, but it can also be beneficial for those that need additional dental procedures. Since they are so strong, they are also used as a supporting tooth for dentures, making them more comfortable. They can even serve as anchors to help move other teeth to the location of choice. The anchors are removed after the other teeth have been relocated to the desired position.
If you have lost all of your teeth due to decay or disease, a prosthetic can be made to enhance the upper and lower arches. The prosthetic doesn’t use many implants, but all teeth within an arch can be placed. Implants are put in areas where the jaw bone is strong, and the prosthetic is put into place when the implant is healed.
If you decide that dental implants are the ideal solution for you, the next step is to consult with a dental professional to see if they agree. They will examine the areas that you would like repaired and perform X-rays. The dentist will be able to see the jawbone, and where it’s strengths and weaknesses lie.
If the dental professional is able to come to the conclusion that the jawbone is strong enough to adhere and implant, they will be able to come up with a plan for the procedure. You will then schedule your surgical appointment for implantation.
After the implantation areas are healed, the implant is tested to determine if it successfully adhered to the bone. When it is decided that the implant is strong and in the correct place, the prosthetic tooth is placed onto the implant with a small screw.
During the surgical procedure, you will be given a local anesthetic to numb the area, along with other sedatives as needed. Sometimes, a tooth will need to be removed if the damage is present.
If you have any missing teeth, dental implants offer stability and are a long term solution for an improved smile and enhanced oral health. While the dental implant procedures take time, they are the best option for those looking to have a stable, permanent solution, that will last for many years to come. Call Mohip Dental & Associates to schedule a consultation today.
