Missing, damaged and misshapen teeth can cause a lot of frustration. They not only affect the way you look and feel, but also affect your oral health and self-confidence. There are several ways in which the problem of missing teeth can be addressed. Of them, dental implants are gaining are a lot of popularity. Whether your missing teeth are a result of an accident, decay, gum disease or aging; implants are a permanent solution for improved oral health and a beautiful smile.
What are dental implants?
“Dental implants are replacement tooth roots. Implants provide a strong foundation for fixed (permanent) or removable replacement teeth that are made to match your natural teeth.” Dental implants seamlessly integrate into the jaw bone and the life-like crown provide a permanent solution to all the problems caused by missing teeth. They save from the negative impact missing teeth can have on facial posture, oral health, physical health and even mental health.
Are dental implants better than regular dentures?
Implants are better than regular dentures in terms of both functionality and cosmetic reasons. Once you get implants, you do not have to worry about cleaning, inserting or removing their dentures. You can carry about your everyday life with ease. With regular dentures, it is difficult to eat some kinds of food items particularly the ones that are hard.
On the other hand, implants are like natural teeth, and you can enjoy all types of food comfortably. Moreover, implants do not require any special care. You just need to brush and floss your teeth like you normally do. Also, depending on the types of dentures you use, they may slip while speaking. This problem is solved by implants. Implants also provide protection to the jawbone.
Who should get dental implants?
Dental implants may be a good idea for anyone who:
- Have one or multiple missing teeth
- Are unwilling or unable to wear dentures
- Have healthy gum tissue and bone structure to support the implant
- Can commit to a longer dental treatment process
- Wants to improve their ability to eat and speak after tooth loss
What does the dental implant process involve?
Dental implants are like screws that are surgically inserted into the jaw to replace the missing tooth. The implant integrates into the bone structure through a process called osteointegration- a phenomenon wherein the implant becomes so fused with the bone that they cannot be separated. Once the implant is fully integrated with the bone structure, the dentist places an abutment and then a restorative crown is placed over it. The process may take several weeks.
What are dental implants made of?
Most dental implants are made of titanium. It is a silver-colored, strong and corrosive-resistant metal. In fact, both the implant and the connector upon which the crown is placed is made of titanium. It is a preferred material for implants because of a number of reasons. It does not irritate the surrounding tissue and the patient does not experience any pain or inflammation once they heal from surgery. Also, the body does not normally reject titanium implants so the chances that the procedure will succeed in the long term are high. They also promote osteointegration, the process of bone getting deposited around the implant and creating a strong base. Moreover, titanium implants are strong, stable, and durable.
Since their discovery, titanium dental implants have been the most sought-after implants. Dental implants area also made of a zirconia, a while crystalline material. It has similar properties like titanium, but the white color makes it a better match to natural teeth. So, they are also gaining popularity.
If you are considering getting dental implants, you should visit your dentist, who will perform a thorough check up and recommend the best treatment options for you based on your condition.
