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Dental implants have become an increasingly popular option for patients who have missing teeth. For some patients with advanced dental and gum disease, removal of teeth followed by replacement with implants, can be the only sure way to rid the body of unhealthy disease whilst restoring full function and aesthetics in a permanent way.
Dental implants are suitable for people of all ages, providing the growth of their jaw is complete. An adequate jaw bone is required to act as a secure base for the placement and integration of the implant. If adequate jaw bone is not present, it can often be skilfully created, using bone grafting or augmentation procedures.
Such treatments require world class advanced techniques, skills and facilities. From the replacement of single teeth to full mouth reconstructions using dental implants, you are in great hands from start to finish. Their durability and permanent effect is what makes dental implants a solid method for tooth replacement.
Why is Implantation Better?
The really great advantage of implantation is that
- The dentures are permanent and cannot fall out, this restores the patients’ confidence and allows them to smile and laugh comfortably
- The patient can regain the ability to eat foods that would have become impossible to manage with standard dentures
- Implants are durable and strong.
Why missing just one tooth is bad
Losing a tooth is something that the majority of us will face at some point in our lives. It isn’t fun and can really affect your self confidence, especially when that loss is at the front of the mouth. It isn’t only the patients’ confidence that takes a hit when they lose a tooth. Unfortunately it can have a serious effect on their other teeth too.
When someone loses a tooth and a replacement is made in the immediate future a gap forms. Within this gap the bone begins to reabsorb. This creates and space for the surrounding teeth to fall into. This movement of the teeth means widening gaps between teeth; this in turn can lead to periodontal disease caused by a lack in ability to clean between the gaps of the teeth.
Sadly this can then lead to further decay of the remaining teeth and of course continued tooth loss. The very best action in the case of tooth loss is to see your dentist and discuss the possibility of receiving implant treatment.
Are dental implants an option for you?
Nothing takes the place of healthy, natural teeth. But when tooth loss occurs due to disease or accident, it’s good to know there are options to restore your smile!
Implants are the best option if you:
- are self-conscious because of missing teeth
- wear uncomfortable dentures
- are unsatisfied with removable partial dentures
- don’t want to have intact tooth structure removed to have a fixed bridge placed
Patients choose implants to support a full set of dentures or replace missing teeth. Implants are posts that are surgically placed in the upper or lower jaw. They are made of titanium and other materials accepted by the human body to function as a sturdy anchor for replacement teeth. U.S. dentists place more than 5.5 million implants annually. Choose implants to turn up your smile today!
How do Implants Compare to Natural Teeth?
Dental implants are an ideal tooth replacement therapy because implants closely mimic natural teeth. All natural teeth have a dentin core, surrounded by an enamel coating, and are anchored in the jaw bone by their roots. A completed dental implant has a crown, which replicates the appearance of the enamel coating of the surrounding natural teeth. The crown is fixed to an abutment, or post, the equivalent of the dentin core. The post is attached to the titanium implant, which is anchored in the jaw bone and acts as the root of the replacement tooth.
Hygiene & Long Term Success
Adequate oral hygiene should be established prior to implant therapy and must be maintained to ensure the long-term health of dental implants. Like natural teeth, implants can fail when hygiene is poor, and plaque is allowed to accumulate.
Many special brushes, flosses, and rinses are available to help you maintain your implant restoration. You should discuss the appropriate tools and their proper use with your dental professional. Regular visits to your Bloomington dentist are just as important to the continuing health of your implants. In addition to professional cleaning, your dentist will assess the success of your home care and the health of your dental implants.
