If you’re missing one or more teeth, there’s a good chance the loss is having an effect on your smile. Even a tooth missing from the back of your mouth can slowly cause your facial structure to change. A solution is to have a dental implant installed to take the place of the absent tooth. Doing so will improve your smile, prevent bone loss, and help maintain your natural facial structure. An implant will also make chewing easier since food will be prevented from falling into the space left by the missing tooth.
Below, we’ll describe the advantages of having dental implants installed compared to alternative restorative procedures (e.g. dentures, crowns, etc.). We’ll also discuss how your dentist will determine whether this treatment option is appropriate. Lastly, you’ll learn about the procedure used to place the implants into your jaw.
Benefits Of Implant Dentistry
One of the main reasons many patients prefer implants over other options is because they are stronger. While crowns, dentures, and bridges, pose viable alternatives, none offer the same level of permanence. Implants tend to last longer, and provide more convenience for the patient.
Another benefit is that an implant affects a single tooth. If something is wrong with the tooth, the problem can be addressed without disturbing others. By comparison, bridges involve multiple teeth. If one of them develops a problem, the entire bridge typically needs to be removed in order to correct it.
Other advantages of dental implants include greater comfort while eating (patients often find dentures uncomfortable), a better smile, heightened self-esteem, and improved speech. Plus, they’re more convenient to clean since they do not need to be removed.
Also noteworthy, if you lose a tooth, and neglect to have the space filled, the bone will begin to shrink. Having an implant placed in the space prevents this from occurring.
Determining Whether You Are A Suitable Candidate
Nearly anyone can have an implant installed as long as the bone of their jaw is fully grown (young children do not make good candidates). But there are circumstances that might pose a delay, or preclude treatment.
For example, if you suffer from advanced gum disease, your dentist will need to address the problem before installing an implant. If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, special precautions may need to be taken before the procedure. Those undergoing treatment for cancer (e.g. chemotherapy) tend to have less success with implants. So too do smokers. Poor bone quality may also make this treatment option unsuitable.
If none of the above circumstances are true, dental implants are likely to be a good solution for replacing missing teeth.
How Dental Implants Are Placed In The Gums
There are three components to an implant: a screw, an abutment, and a crown. Before an implant can be placed in the jaw, the site of implantation must be prepared. A pilot hole is drilled into the jaw, and expanded to receive the screw. This is a delicate part of the procedure since the dentist must take care not to damage the underlying bone or nerves. The screw is placed into the hole, and a temporary cover is placed on top of it.
Over the next several months, the bone surrounding the screw begins to grow into it. This process is known as osseointegration. Once it is complete, the abutment can be installed. The gum is reopened, and the abutment is placed on top of the screw.
One or two weeks are required for the gum to heal prior to the installation of the crown. Once healing completes, impressions are taken of the site so the crown can be constructed. Then, it is placed on top of the abutment. The crown appears similar to a natural tooth. It will be all but impossible for others to tell the difference.
Dental implants offer an attractive solution for missing teeth. If they are installed properly, they can last a lifetime.
Find out more from your Raleigh Dentist who specializes in Dental Implants