Do you have missing teeth? Do you want a more secure replacement than dentures? Do you want a solution that doesn’t involved filing adjacent teeth like bridges do? If this is so, then you should consider dental implants. These secure replacements improve your smile and can last your whole life.
The Benefits Of Implants
Using implants to fill the gap left by missing teeth has several benefits.
- Dental Health: Missing teeth can cause several problems such as a speech impediment, strain on the surrounding teeth, problems chewing, shifting teeth, etc. When an implant fills the gap, many of these issues are remedied.
- Permanence: Because of their stability, implants don’t cause some of the problems that removable dentures can such as affected speech, problems eating, discomfort, or the possibility of falling out. And unlike bridges that need replacement over time, implants can last for your whole life if you keep up good oral hygiene practices.
- Success Rate: Dental implant procedures have improved immensely over the past several years. Implants now have a 97% success rate and can be given to anyone who has good dental and overall health.
The Procedure Of Placing Implants
Though this procedure can take many months, it is well worth it in the end.
- The implant is placed first. It is a screw-like, titanium post that will act as the tooth root. The gum is cut open to expose the jawbone where the implant is placed in a hole that has been drilled into the socket.
- The jawbone grows around the implant. This process is called osseointegration and secures the implant in place. However, it can take 3-9 months to fully complete.
- The gums are cut open again to attach the abutment post to the implant. This post is visibly seen above the gum line.
- After your gums heal from the abutment placement, the artificial tooth can be attached. This tooth is a crown (or bridge for multiple tooth replacements) that is made from an impression of your teeth. The artificial tooth covers the abutment.