Dental implants are artificial tooth roots dentists place into the jawbone to support a replacement tooth or bridge. Dental implants replace missing teeth or support dentures in patients who have lost multiple teeth. Dental implants offer a permanent solution to tooth loss and have several benefits over other tooth replacement options, such as dentures or bridges.
What Can You Expect at the Dental Clinic When Getting a Dental Implant?
According to Forbes, the dentist will primarily evaluate the patient’s oral health and take impressions and X-rays of the teeth and jaw. He will use this information to create a treatment plan that includes the number and placement of the implants.
Next, the dentist will surgically place the implants into the jawbone. The tooth implants at Anderson Dental Professionals in Crown Point, Indiana is typically a small screw-shaped post inserted into the bone.
. The area will then heal for several weeks to allow the implant to fuse with the bone.
Once the implant has fused with the bone, the dentist will attach a connector, called an abutment, to the implant. The abutment serves as a base for the replacement tooth or bridge.
Finally, the dentist attaches the replacement teeth or bridge to the abutment. These replacement teeth are custom-made to match the patient’s natural teeth in size, shape, and color, giving them a natural appearance.
Why Go in For Dental Implants?
Better looks: Dental implants have the same appearance and sensation of natural teeth, giving patients a more natural and youthful appearance, observes Dr. Roland Pagniano, a leading dental surgeon.
Improved speech: Dentures can sometimes slip or become loose and cause unclear speech; however, dental implants allow patients to speak confidently and clearly.
Improved comfort: Since dental implants bond with the jawbone, they become a permanent part of your jawbone. You do not experience the discomfort characteristic of dentures or bridges that move in the mouth.
Improved function: Dental implants perform like your natural teeth, allowing you to eat your favorite foods without restriction.
Improved oral health: Unlike bridges, your dentist does not have to reduce adjacent healthy teeth. It preserves the integrity of surrounding teeth and helps to maintain oral health.
What Are the Concerns of Dental Implants?
Cost: Compared to alternatives, the expense of a dental implant can be relatively much higher, and your insurance company may not cover it. The cost of dental implants can be high but with the right dentist you will be able to get a good deal on the necessary replacement of your tooth when needed.
Surgical risks: Placing dental implants requires surgery, which carries the usual risks of infection, bleeding, and complications with anesthesia.
Healing time: Dental implant surgery requires a healing period of several months to allow the implant to fuse with the bone. During this time, patients may have to avoid certain foods and activities to avoid putting stress on the implant.
Maintenance: Dental implants require regular maintenance, including good oral hygiene and regular checkups with a dentist or periodontist to ensure they remain in good condition.
Bone loss: In some cases, the placement of a dental implant can lead to bone loss in the surrounding area.
Conclusion
Dental implants offer a permanent, natural-looking solution to tooth loss that can improve appearance, speech, comfort, function, oral health, and self-esteem. However, they may not be suitable for everyone, and you must discuss the options with a qualified dental professional.