A dental implant is a small titanium post surgically inserted into the jawbone where the tooth is missing. The implant is then used to hold a crown or a bridge, which will replace the missing tooth. Dental implants act as natural teeth and prevent the deterioration of the jaw bone and adjacent teeth.
Before dental implants are used, the gums and jaw must be prepared for surgery, and a bone graft may be placed. Once healed, the implant is securely attached to the bone, and the tissue is given time to heal around this post. This process is called osseointegration and is essential to the overall success of the procedure. Once this is complete, the dentist will attach a restoration to the implant to complete the process. At Gardens Dental Spa, dental implants can replace a single tooth or many missing teeth. They are a permanent solution that can improve oral health and smiling.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Dental implants are an excellent option for anyone with missing teeth, but they are not the best solution for everyone. To succeed with implants, patients must have healthy gums and enough bone structure in their jaw to support the implant. If a patient does not have healthy surrounding gum tissue or sufficient jaw bone density, bone grafting may be recommended before proceeding with the procedure.
Patients must also be committed to maintaining their oral hygiene routine, including daily brushing and flossing and regular visits to the dentist. The long-term success rate of dental implants depends on the patient’s dedication to good oral health habits. Smoking is also strongly discouraged as it can drastically reduce the success rate of dental implants.
After the patient has been cleared for the procedure, they must also commit to caring for their implants properly. This includes sticking to a strict oral hygiene routine and avoiding eating hard foods that may damage the implants. It is also critical to avoid smoking or using tobacco products, which can drastically increase the chances of gum recession and bone deterioration around the implant. All of these things can negatively impact the success of your dental implants.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants replace the roots of missing teeth, providing a stable base for fixed or removable replacement teeth that look and function like natural teeth. This allows you to eat your favorite foods and enjoy a regular oral hygiene routine without worrying about slippage or other complications that could arise with dentures. Furthermore, dental implants can help prevent bone atrophy in the jaw when teeth are missing and help to preserve natural facial contours. This not only enables you to maintain an attractive smile but also helps maintain your youthful good looks!
Lastly, dental implants offer a permanent solution to tooth loss, eliminating the inconvenience of regularly removing and cleaning dentures. With proper care, implants have a very high success rate and can last many years or even a lifetime with good dental care.