All You Need To Know About Dental Implants
Missing teeth can affect eating habits, oral hygiene, and self-esteem. Technological advancement in dental care now allows you to have a tooth replacement. Through a dental implant, one can have an artificial tooth implanted in the jawbone. This article provides essential insights on dental implants.
What Are Dental Implants?
In a medical context, dental implants are a dentistry solution. Dentistry is the treatment of diseases and conditions that affect human teeth and gum. Dental implants are surgical fixtures used to replace a tooth.
How Are Dental Implants Fixed?
Dental implants are fixed using a surgical procedure. A dental surgeon fixes the titanium implant in the jawbone. The titanium elements allow the implant to integrate with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration. Eventually, the jawbone heals and grows around the implant, which anchors it into position. The healing process can take 6 to 12 weeks. Upon healing, the dentist attaches a connector (abutment) to the tooth post to hold an artificial tooth. Basically, the new tooth called a crown is custom-made to fit. Lastly, the crown is attached to the abutment.
The dental implant process is simplified in the following six steps:
- Removal of a damaged tooth
- Preparation of the jawbone
- Placement of the dental implant
- Bone healing and growth
- Placement of the abutment
- Fixing the crown
Reasons for Getting Dental Implants
Ideal Tooth Replacement Solution
Primarily, dental implants replace a missing or damaged tooth. Several factors make dental implants the ideal tooth replacement method. Firstly, dental implants are infused with the jaw bone for stability. Then, the replacement crown is custom-made to fit the exact spot and align with other teeth. More so, the process allows for placement without altering and affecting other teeth. Due to these features, dental implants support orthodontics procedures for teeth alignment.
Restoring Teeth and Mouth Function
Dental implants help to restore tooth and mouth functions. Firstly, eating is easier as the new teeth help in chewing. Then, the procedure improves oral health. One does not have to contend with food particles stuck in damaged teeth. More so, dental implants improve comfort since they are fixed in place. Besides, there is the benefit of improved speech as you don't have to worry about slipping dentures.
Aesthetic Benefits
A missing tooth can be a source of social ridicule and stigmatization. Having a dental implant procedure will boost your confidence. More so, from an appearance perspective, dental implants enhance personal looks.
Safety
A dental implant is considered a safe surgical procedure. There are few risks involved in the process and minimal complications. The increasing global uptake and dentist endorsement attests to the safety of dental implants.
Dental implants are an ideal solution for missing teeth. However, safety requires the services of a qualified and experienced dental surgeon.
Contact a local dental surgeon to learn more about dental implants.
