Dental Implants
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are small titanium fixtures which are surgically placed in the upper or lower jawbone. They replace the root of your missing tooth and provide an anchor for your dental prosthesis (single crowns, bridges, and partial or full dentures). A natural appearance is achieved, and normal chewing and speech are maintained.
Why Dental Implants?
- No worrying about dentures falling out- a stable foundation
- Improves biting pressure
- Insufficient teeth amount or jaw structure for other types of replacements
- Restores proper chewing ability which leads to a better diet and improved overall health
- Eliminates tooth shifting
- No loose dentures
- No gooey denture adhesives
- Improves speech
- Won’t apply damaging pressure to your natural teeth
- Comfort and fit
- Help preserve healthy vital tooth structure (unlike a bridge)
- They look and feel like your natural teeth
- Increase your self-confidence when taking and smiling
- What Can Dental Implants Do For You?
Implants can replace a single missing tooth, without involving healthy adjacent teeth. Implants provide extra support for your existing partial or full denture alleviating uncomfortable movement. In many cases, implants may be placed to support a fixed bridge eliminating the need for a removable partial or full denture. Also, implants minimize gum irritation and pain often associated with removable partials or conventional full dentures.
Risks Associated with Dental Implants
Complications are rare with implant procedures. When infections or other complications occur, medication or surgical intervention may be used to treat it. Oral surgery may incur damaging of the nerve that controls sensation. Such complications are rare and may be temporary or permanent. In addition, there is the risk of bleeding, swelling, bruising, infections, discomfort post operatively. Ask your surgeon to provide more information about the risks involved with this procedure.
The Procedure
Implant placement does require several steps over a period of time ranging from 3 months to over 1 year depending on your specific needs. Here are the steps followed for implant therapy:
- The implant is inserted into the jawbone and allowed to heal for several months
- A post is attached to the implant and a temporary artificial tooth is used
- A permanent tooth is attached after all healing is complete
