Dental implants are a highly effective and widely used solution for replacing missing teeth. As a dentist, let me explain what dental implants are, how they are done, their benefits, and the process involved.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots, typically made from titanium, that are surgically placed into the jawbone beneath the gums. Once in place, they allow your dentist to mount replacement teeth onto them. Because implants fuse to your jawbone, they provide stable support for artificial teeth, such as crowns, bridges, or dentures.
How are Dental Implants Done?
The process of getting a dental implant involves several steps and is typically spread out over a few months to allow for healing between procedures.
- Initial Assessment: First, a thorough examination is conducted, including X-rays or 3D images, and a review of your medical history to ensure dental implants are suitable for you.
- Bone Grafting (If Necessary): If your jawbone isn’t thick enough or is too soft, you may need bone grafting. This process involves transplanting bone to your jaw to ensure it can support the implant. Healing from this procedure can take several months.
- Implant Placement: During this surgery, the dental implant (a titanium post) is placed into the bone socket of the missing tooth. As the jawbone heals, it grows around the implanted metal post, anchoring it securely in the jaw. This healing process can take from 6 to 12 weeks.
- Abutment Placement: Once the implant has bonded with the jawbone, a small connector post called an abutment is attached to the post to securely hold the new tooth.
- Artificial Tooth Placement: After your gums heal, more impressions of your mouth and remaining teeth are made to create the crown (artificial tooth). The crown is then attached to the abutment.
Benefits of Dental Implants
- Improved Appearance: Dental implants look and feel like your own teeth. Because they are designed to fuse with bone, they become permanent.
- Improved Speech: With poor-fitting dentures, teeth can slip within the mouth, causing you to mumble or slur your words. Dental implants allow you to speak without the worry that teeth might slip.
- Improved Comfort: Because they become part of you, implants eliminate the discomfort of removable dentures.
- Easier Eating: Sliding dentures can make chewing difficult. Dental implants function like your own teeth, allowing you to eat your favorite foods with confidence and without pain.
- Improved Oral Health: Unlike a tooth-supported bridge, dental implants don’t require reducing other teeth. More of your own teeth are left intact, improving long-term oral health. Individual implants also allow easier access between teeth, improving oral hygiene.
- Durability: Implants are very durable and will last many years. With good care, many implants last a lifetime.
- Convenience: Removable dentures are just that; removable. Dental implants eliminate the embarrassing inconvenience of removing dentures, as well as the need for messy adhesives to keep them in place.
The Process Involved
The process of getting implants requires a number of visits to the dentist over several months. After the initial assessment, the process involves surgical placement of the implant, a period of healing, and the placement of the abutment and artificial tooth. Throughout the process, you’ll have several follow-up visits to check on the implant’s progress and to ensure the fit and color of the artificial tooth.
Dental implants require the same care as real teeth, including brushing, flossing, rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash, and regular dental check-ups.
By choosing dental implants, you’re opting for a solution that not only improves your oral health but also enhances your quality of life by restoring your smile and the functionality of your teeth.