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Dental implants involve a surgical procedure to replace missing teeth with prosthetic rods attached directly to the jawbone. This procedure fills a space in the mouth with a solution that most closely resembles the missing tooth. This procedure may be performed for cosmetic reasons, but the benefits can be much further reaching than mere appearance. Dental implants can also improve speech, make it easier for the patient to chew and eat and contribute to improved oral health overall. They can also preserve a proper bite alignment so the patient doesn't suffer from chronic jaw conditions like TMJ later on.
The best candidate for dental implants is a patient in reasonably good health that is missing a single tooth or multiple teeth. The patient must have healthy gums and an adequate bone structure to support the implant process. Patients requiring a bone graft for damaged or decayed bone or patients with periodontal disease would probably not be a good candidate for this procedure. Smokers may have a lower success rate of dental implants as well, although being a smoker does not automatically eliminate the patient as a candidate.
There are numerous options for replacing missing teeth, so why should dental implants be considered? Barring the additional costs that this procedure typically incurs, there are many advantages of the dental implants over procedures like bridges and dentures:
As dental implants are becoming more popular, dentists are becoming more experienced in the procedure. This is good news for patients who are interested in having a dental implant instead of other treatment options.
Dental implants can be performed by a dentist or oral surgeon. It is important to choose a doctor who is experienced in the procedure. The first step in the process is to prepare the jawbone for the implant. This is done by drilling a small hole into the bone and installing the dental implant cylinder. This procedure is usually done in the dentist's office and can be performed using a local anesthesia with or without sedation or a general anesthesia. Once the cylinder is in place, the jawbone must be left to heal around the cylinder. This process is known as osseointegration, and it generally takes six to 12 weeks to complete. Osseointegration provides a good, solid base for the artificial tooth that is to come. In some cases, a temporary appliance may be used to protect the area and avoid the appearance of a gap.
Once the osseointegration process is complete, the temporary artificial tooth is replaced with a permanent one. This process begins with the attachment of an abutment to the implant. This procedure is often done with a local anesthesia and is given a week or two to heal before the artificial tooth can be placed. Impressions will be made of the remaining teeth to ensure the crown will fit into the mouth properly. The crown is created from these impressions and affixed over the top of the abutment. Once the crown is in place, the implant process is complete.
Like any oral surgery, there is a short recovery time involved with dental implant procedures. Any discomfort after the surgery can be successfully managed using over the counter or prescription pain relievers. Patients may also experience mild bruising or swelling around the treated area. Ice packs may help both of these symptoms. If the pain or bleeding increases, contact the dentist right away.
The success rate for dental implants will vary greatly from practice to practice and patient to patient. On average, the success rate for dental implants on the lower jaw is about 95%. Upper jaw success rates are slightly lower, at about 90%. The reason for the discrepancy has to do with the difference in bone density between the upper and lower jaw, making it a bit more difficult to achieve successful osseointegration.
One of the best aspects of dental implants is that they are cared for along with the rest of your teeth. There are no appliances to remove and soak and no messy adhesives to worry about. Cavities will never be a concern, since artificial teeth do not get them. However, it is very important that the mouth and gum around the implant be kept very clean. There are brushes and tools that can be purchased specifically for the care of dental implants to ensure the area surrounding the artificial tooth is cleaned properly.
Regular visits to the dentist are also important to ensure the implants continue to work properly. It is also a good idea to avoid habits that could damage the artificial teeth like chewing hard objects. To prevent staining the implant, avoid tobacco and caffeine-laden beverages.
Dental implants are an excellent choice for many patients who are missing teeth. While the process takes some time to complete, the results are often permanent and nearly impossible to detect. The artificial teeth are completely functional and very easy to care for. Dental implants are the closest option to natural teeth available today.
