Are Dental Implants Right for You?

Are Dental Implants Right for You?

The CDC has released statistics showing that 52 percent of adults between the ages of 20 and 64 have lost at least one permanent tooth. That figure goes up to 66 percent for adults from 40 to 64, and about 20 percent of adults over 65 have lost all of their permanent teeth.

At our dental office, we can provide you with the most practical solutions for replacing missing teeth. Our team is committed to providing you with a beautiful smile and the proper bite for many years of improved dental health.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are replacement options for permanent teeth that have been lost to tooth decay, accidents and other issues. These dental devices are composed of three parts:

The post, which is sometimes referred to as the body of the dental implant, is usually made of titanium because of the metal’s extreme strength. The titanium post is lightweight and resembles a screw. It is implanted into the bone of the jaw and allowed to heal in place to provide an anchor for the other parts of the implant.

The abutment is a section of the implant that allows the artificial tooth to connect directly to the dental implant. It is not put into place until the implant has fused into the bone.

The crown, prosthesis or artificial tooth is the replacement for the tooth or teeth that are missing. This may consist of a single tooth, a small group of adjacent teeth or even an entire upper or lower row of teeth.

There are two types of dental implants:

1. Endosteal implants are seated into the jawbone.
2. Subperiosteal implants are used in cases where not enough bone is present in the jaw. They are instead seated into the gums and allowed to heal in place.

Your implant dentist will provide you with expert help in determining which type of dental implants is right for your needs.

The Basics of Dental Implants

Dental implants are constructed to work in much the same way as your real teeth. In general terms, the base or body serves as the root for the artificial teeth and offers a stable connection for the attached dental appliances. The visible part of your implanted teeth will be fabricated to look as much like your natural teeth as possible. This will help you feel much more confident when interacting with others during your daily routine.

What to Expect During a Dental Implant Procedure

Your dentist will explain the process of dental implants to you in detail. The basic steps, however, are much the same for all patients.

• Damaged teeth that will be replaced by implants will be removed.
• If necessary, bone grafting will be performed to ensure adequate bone tissue in your jaw for proper attachment of your dental implants.
• Once the insertion site is ready, the dental implant will be placed into the gums or the bone of the jaw and allowed to heal in place.
• After the healing process is complete, the abutment will be attached to the implant.
• The dental bridge, crown or artificial tooth will be connected to the implant to create a permanent solution for missing teeth.

Will I Need Bone Grafts?

The need for bone graft procedures depends on the condition of the bone in your jaw. In some cases, you may have lost bone density because of the effects on your jaw of aging or gum disease. A thorough examination is required to determine if an implant can successfully be placed in your jaw. If you do need a bone graft, our team will work with you to determine the best approach for this procedure.

Placing the Dental Implant

The process of placing your dental implant requires a small incision in the gums that exposes the bone of the jaw. Your dentist will then drill a hole into the jawbone and place the implant into that hole. Over time, the bone will heal around the implant and secure it in place. This process is called osseointegration.

Once the implant has healed, your dentist will attach an abutment. This will usually require reopening the incision to expose the top of the dental implant. This is necessary to connect the abutment securely to the implant. Once the abutment has been put in place, there is usually a waiting period of about two weeks before the final stage of the process can be completed.

Seating the dental appliance and attaching it firmly to the abutment is generally the last stage in the dental implant process. Once this has been accomplished, you will enjoy the most natural-looking teeth and the most effective dental bite, which can help you enjoy the foods you like while making the best impression on others.

After the Dental Implant Surgery

You may experience some bruising or discomfort after your surgery. Our team will give you expert guidance on the best way to treat these issues.
Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants are more comfortable than dentures and look more natural in most cases. This can help you feel more self-assured when meeting new people and interacting in social or professional situations.

Dentures can slip or come loose, making it difficult to speak clearly or enjoy your favorite foods. By contrast, implants are designed to hold artificial teeth firmly in place to make speaking and eating as natural as possible.
Potential Drawbacks of Dental Implants

The most commonly cited drawbacks of dental implants include their high initial cost and the risk involved with any surgery.

At our dental office, we will work with you to provide the safest and most cost-effective solutions for all your dental implant needs. Call us today or schedule an appointment with us online. We look forward to the opportunity to serve you.