A Guide to Dental Implants

One of the most commonly used procedures used to counteract tooth loss in patients is also a type of cosmetic surgery. Dental implants are often used to replace missing teeth because they are quite effective and durable—and, they also restore the functionality of the teeth.

People who experience tooth loss often become self-conscious about their smiles. People can feel ashamed about their missing teeth. To be sure, sometimes the tooth loss can be due to tooth decay and poor dental hygiene; however, this is not always the case. Most observers of people with tooth loss, however, automatically assume that everyone’s tooth loss is due to their lack of proper dental hygiene. This is why most people feel so embarrassed about their smiles when they are missing teeth.

It should be pointed out that there are other causes of tooth loss. Many people who experience tooth loss are suffering from it because of a sudden trauma (such as a car accident), a root canal failure, excessive wear and tear on the teeth, or gum disease. Therefore, tooth loss is not a condition of which to feel humiliated or shameful; instead, it is a condition which needs to be fixed. This is not only because of cosmetic reasons, but also because tooth loss affects the way in which people chew. Without all of the teeth, chewing normally can be difficult—and this can have a negative impact on eating habits.

For many dental implants is the preferred method through which to fix this condition. Yes, there are other options--like bridges or dentures—but, implants are more durable than the other options. Dental implants are stronger and they last longer. Some dentists opt to use implants along with other tooth restorative options. For example, if a person has several teeth missing, he may need a bridge supported by dental implants (an implant-supported bridge).

Dental implants are done in such a way as to replace the root of the missing tooth, thereby giving support to the replacement tooth. The implants do not take long to place into the jaw; however, they do require a longer period of time for osseointegration.

Osseointegration is the process of the implant fusing to the bone of the jaw. This process is exactly what makes dental implants so durable and effective at restoring the functionality of the teeth. It can take anywhere from three to six months for the dental implants to finish this process and heal. At this point, the dentist can attach prosthesis, completing the dental implant procedure.

Dental implants are among the most successful dental procedures done these days. There are no guarantees that they will work, of course; however, there are very high success rates. For missing teeth in the lower jaw, there is a 95 per cent five-year success rate. In the upper jaw, the five-year success rate is 90 per cent. For people who smoke, though, rates are much lower; therefore, dentists suggest that smokers quit before getting dental implants.

For people who are missing teeth, dental implants are very likely the best option for restorative treatment.