Dental implants change the way that people live
Tooth loss not only compromises the look of your smile, but it also compromises the structure of your mouth. After a tooth is removed from the mouth, the bone around that tooth begins to reabsorb into the body. Because there is no tooth to keep it in place, the bone will continue to deteriorate. A dental implant is an incredible technological device that protects the integrity of the underlying jawbone while providing an aesthetic and fully functional prosthetic tooth to replace the one that was lost.
Each time you enjoy a meal, the bite pressure exerted as you chew is transferred from your teeth to the bone of your jaw. At the site of a lost tooth, no bite pressure is received by the bone. As a result, the jawbone atrophies. Over time, the density of the bone is reduced, making your face look older due to the lack of structural support. Also, nearby teeth may begin to loosen in their sockets from the reduction in jawbone density.
Dental implants are titanium posts that are placed into the jawbone. Over a short healing period, the jawbone grows around these posts and fortifies their place in the bone. Once a post has healed into the bone, a prosthetic tooth is placed over this post, and you can resume your normal eating and drinking activities.
Dental implants can be used to restore a single tooth or multiple teeth. They can also serve as supports for bridges and dentures.
Not only are implants applicable in a wide range of circumstances, dental implants are superior to your traditional prosthetics. Instead of only replacing the crown of a lost tooth, they also replace the missing dental roots. As a result, they restore your dental functions back to normal, providing you with improved bite force and superior aesthetics. In addition, they are long-lasting just like natural teeth.
Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel and function like natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything and can smile with confidence, knowing that the teeth appear natural and that facial contours will be preserved. Dental implants can help maintain the facial structure by preventing the bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing. Dental implants are changing the way people live! With them, people are rediscovering the comfort and confidence to eat, speak, laugh and enjoy life.
Facts on Dental Implants
Dental implants are impervious to decay. Since dental implants and the crowns that may be connected to them are not made of natural tooth material, they do not decay. Still, it is important to clean the implant crown and the gums around it properly because the natural teeth remaining in your mouth are still subject to develop cavities from the bacterial acid released by the microbes in your mouth.
Dental implants take between 3-6 months to completely heal. The implants undergo a process called osseointegration, which allows the implants and the bone of your jaw to integrate or fuse together as the implant wound heals.
Placing dental implants is an extremely predictable and common procedure. Dental implants can be installed in your dentist’s office. In addition, the procedure is not lengthy and only requires local anesthesia.
Conditions that May Affect Your Dental Implant Restoration
Here are a few conditions that may affect the success of your dental implant:
Poorly controlled blood sugar:
Although people with diabetes have a high rate of success when it comes to dental implants, poorly controlled blood sugar can increase the likelihood of implant failure. If you suffer from diabetes, it is important to adhere to your doctor’s recommendations concerning medication, diet and exercise before, during and after your implant placement.
Smoking:
Smokers also have an increased likelihood of implant problems. Irritants from the tobacco can prevent the soft tissues of the mouth from healing quickly and properly. In addition, smokers sometimes have reduced blood-oxygen levels, and the lack of oxygen may slow wound healing as well.
Bruxism
In order for an implant to be successful, the implant must remain in position within the bone. If the implant is shifted out of place, it will not reconnect to the bone tissue. As a result, a new implant restoration would be required. Since implant patients who grind their teeth at night experience a great deal of bite pressure, it is important for them to wear a mouthguard to protect their dental implants from the bite force of the grinding.
Jawbone Density
If your jawbone is too thin to support the placement of a traditional dental implant, your dentist may recommend a bone graft or a different type of implant. A bone graft can be performed by adding bone that is harvested from another area of your body, a cadaver or an animal to your existing jawbone. If a bone graft is not desired, a mini implant or a zygomatic implant may be appropriate. Mini implants are smaller in size and require less bone for support. Zygomatic implants are installed in the cheekbone instead of the bone of the jaw. Both types of implants can be used in the same manner as traditional implants, including for the support of bridges and dentures.
Evaluation for Dental Implants
If, like many others, you feel implant dentistry is the choice for you, we ask that you undergo a dental/radiographic examination and health history. During these consultation visits, your specific needs and considerations will be addressed by Dr. Brazdo or by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon referred by our practice. Your questions and concerns are important to us, and our team will work with you very closely to help make your procedure a success.