Dental Implants and New Dentures

Unlike traditional dentures and bridges, dental implants don’t require the removal of neighbouring teeth. In addition, dental implants are easier to clean and maintain because you can access the area between your teeth. Lastly, they’re durable, lasting for years, even a lifetime, if you follow good oral hygiene practices. Implants also help preserve jaw bone and reduce bone resorption, improving speech and chewing ability. So whether you’re missing one or multiple teeth, dental implants can restore your smile and improve your quality of life.

Fortunately, new technology makes it possible to place dental implants in a single visit. With this technology, a CBCT scan or cone-beam CT (CBCT), doctors can precisely plan the placement of an implant without requiring the patient to undergo a second procedure. The resulting image is more accurate and reduces patient time. This procedure is performed by a highly-regarded oral surgeon with experience and training .

Implants are made from titanium, which is remarkably similar to the root of a natural tooth. This material is strong and durable and can fuse with the bone over time. This process is known as osseointegration, and the bone cells attach to the implant during the healing period. The healing process typically takes six to twelve weeks, depending on the implant and the patient. After implant placement, patients can wear temporary dentures and eat soft food. They can expect to see results within a year or two.

In addition to a healthy gum and sufficient bone to hold an implant, dental implants require regular professional checkups and cleanings. Moreover, the procedure’s success depends on proper diagnosis and planning and the patient’s medical history. A patient must also be able to follow a strict oral hygiene regime. A patient should visit the dentist at least two to four times a year for the best results. The dentist should assess the patient’s medical history and ensure that they are not suffering from any chronic illness or disorder that might interfere with the procedure.

Dental implants can replace missing teeth. The dentist will arrange special tests to determine the amount of bone in the jaw. Bone grafting is sometimes required to make the jawbone sufficiently large for implants to be placed. Since implants require less surgery than teeth extraction, most patients don’t feel any pain. The procedure is relatively simple, but patients should expect some discomfort as the implant is placed. It is a short-term pain but can last a long time.

Before undergoing implant surgery, patients should be free of any health problems that may interfere with the procedure. They should disclose any current medications, including those taken to prevent infections. In some cases, people with certain heart conditions or insufficient gum tissue may require the use of bone grafts before dental implants. In such cases, a patient may need to use small-diameter implants. Once the patient has cleared all tests, the implant can be placed.

In general, dental implants are made of titanium. The implant’s surface is critical to the long-term integration and stability of the treatment. Porous titanium, for example, contributes to better bone contact, while a machined titanium surface is less likely to affect the outcome. The surface may be plasma-sprayed with a special hydroxyapatite coating. Other non-metal implants may be made of Zirconia, similar to real teeth.

Although dental implants are a safe tooth replacement option for qualified candidates, there are still certain risks. These complications may include poor healing, jaw or gum tissue degeneration, and traumatic facial injury. Fortunately, dental implants are very safe, and there are a few precautions and pre and postoperative procedures you can take to minimize the risks. Nevertheless, dental implants are a great option for replacing missing teeth and improving overall health.

Patients with missing teeth can benefit from multiple dental implants. A full mouth or arch of implants may be a better option if a patient has healthy gum and surrounding teeth. A single tooth replacement may result from an accident or periodontal disease. In either case, the artificial tooth will function and look just like a natural tooth. Ultimately, dental implants are a great option for many people. And a smile can be made to last.