What Are Dental Implants?
Dental Implants are artificial tooth roots with metal, screwlike posts that replace natural teeth. It provides a permanent base for fixed artificial teeth. Dental implants stop or prevent jaw bone loss. It provides stable support, one can rely on while eating and speaking. A dental implant is made of titanium.
Why do we need dental implants?
Dental implants are served as the roots of missing teeth and are surgically placed in the jawbone. The implants won't make noise, won't slip, or cause bone damage like dentures or fixed bridgework does, due to the involvement of titanium that fuses with the jawbone. A dental implant can't decay like a normal tooth. A dentist can suggest dental implants to you if:
You have one or more missing teeth.
You have healthy oral tissues.
Your jawbone reached full growth.
You don't have a health condition that affects bone healing.
You have adequate bone to secure a bone graft or implants.
You don't want to wear dentures.
You don't smoke tobacco.
You want to improve your speech.
Risks involved in dental implants:
damage or injury to surrounding teeth
Infection at the implant site
Nerve damage, which can cause numbness, pain, or tingling in natural teeth, lips, gums, or chin
can cause injury to the surrounding tissues like sinus perforation
Difficulty in cleaning the gums around the implant
injury during surgery, like fracture of the surrounding jawbone
What to expect
Dental implants are performed in various stages, with healing time involved in each stage. The dental implant process involves multiple steps like:
Dental implant placement
Abutment placement
Artificial tooth placement
Bone growth and healing
Jawbone preparation
Damaged tooth removal
Parts of Dental Implants
The crown: This is the part of the tooth that is visible to you. It is usually made of porcelain or zirconium for long durability and looks good.
The abutment: It is a connector that supports a set of teeth. Although it is a permanent structure but can be removed easily by a dentist.
The implant: It is a screw that serves as a root for new teeth. It is a permanent structure attached to the jaw.
Advantages of Dental Implants:
Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth. They became permanent because they are fused with the bone.
Skipping the slippage and discomfort of dentures.
Preventing bone loss and stabilizing the jaw structure.
Preventing other teeth from moving into empty sockets.
Restoring the shape, size, and color of a natural smile.
Restores the ability to chew.
Prevents jawbone from shrinking due to bone loss.
Preserves the health of surrounding gums and bones.
Improves quality of life.