Dental implants are designed to allow you to replace a missing tooth or teeth. The dental implants act as the foundation for the dental restorations built upon them. These restorations can include dental crowns, dental bridges, dentures. Dental implants have become the standard of care when replacing missing teeth. They are highly successful and can last a lifetime with proper care.
Dental Implant Options
Generally, there are two different types of dental implants in use today:
Regular Size Dental Implants. These standard dental implants are the dental implants of choice for most treatment. These dental implants can be used in a variety of situations like single tooth replacement, dental bridge for multiple tooth replacement, or under a denture.
Mini Dental Implants. These dental implants are narrower than the standard size ones. Mini dental implants are utilized in areas where the bone is not wide enough to handle a standard size dental implant. The ideal place for use under a lower denture or under a partial denture. This can increase stability and retention for these dentures.
Benefits Of Dental Implants
These include the following:
-Increased Self Confidence. Missing teeth can lead to a decreased level of self confidence. This will lead you to smile less and be uncomfortable in social situations. By fixing your smile you will smile more and increase your self confidence. Your new dental implants will allow you the freedom to eat, talk, smile and laugh with ease.
-Improved Comfort. Dental implants act just like a natural tooth. Therefore you will not even notice them especially when wearing dentures. Denture wearers will experience increased retention and stability along with increased comfort.
-Improved Life Experiences. Missing teeth can wreak havoc on our lives in many ways. One of the important ways is in chewing and eating. With dental implants you can have the freedom to eat your favorite foods as well as healthier foods. This will lead to a higher quality of life.
-Dental Implants Can Last A Lifetime. Dental implants have been known to last a lifetime with proper care. Just like your natural teeth, you will need to continue seeing your dentist regularly along with maintaining proper dental hygiene at home.
Disadvantages To Dental Implants
It is important to note that these disadvantages are quite rare they can happen.
-Failed Integration of Dental Implants - This occurs when the bone does not grow and fuse between the threads of the implant. This fusion of bone to dental implant is called osseointegration. If this does not occur, the dental implants will not function properly,will become uncomfortable, become loose, or come out completely. To reduce this risk, your dental surgeon will evaluate the quality and density of the jaw bone prior to surgery. This will help to only place dental implants in areas where there is a highly predictable success rate. If osseointegration does not take place, the dental implants can be removed, and surgery can be attempted again once the area has fully healed.
-Infection. This is the most common complication of dental implant surgery. The surrounding bone and gums can get infected during the surgical procedure. This can happen due to non-sterile technique, a contaminated implant, poor healing ability(diabetic, smoker, osteoporosis medications), pre-existing infection. The most likely time for this to occur would be during the surgical placement of the dental implant into the bone. Implant infection is a condition referred to as peri-implantitis. Peri-implantitis is characterized by inflammation or swelling of the tissues surrounding the implant area. Peri-implantitis can also present as a secondary infection later on is a form of periodontal disease that can lead to inflammation, bone loss and implant failure if not treated quickly and properly. Although implant infections are usually caused by the presence of bacteria during or immediately after the oral surgery for the placement of the dental implants, an implant infection can occur months or years after surgery.
-Post Surgical Bleeding - Some bleeding following surgery is normal and should be expected for about 1-2 days. Biting gently on a gauze pad placed over the surgery area for 30 minutes should normally stop the bleeding. Excessive bleeding is not normal and you should notify your dentist immediately if you have concerns about your dental
-Damage To Surrounding Tissues - Dental implant complications related with surgical errors affecting adjacent teeth, nerves or sinus are directly correlated with the experience and skills of the dentist or surgeon. An experienced and skilled implant dentist is able to identify potential problems by examining x-rays or CT scan (computer tomography), design the proper surgical plan for ideal location and angle, and execute it successfully without complications. Even with the most skilled implant dentist there is always a possibility of dental implant complications. The complications can be limited by choosing an implant dentist with the skills and experience necessary to handle any complications if they arise.
Dental Implants Conclusion
Dental implants are a fantastic choice for replacement of lost teeth. If you are missing a tooth or teeth, you should consider the possibility of dental implants to restore your smile.
