Worldwide, about 20% of people suffer from trauma to their teeth at some point in their lives. If you recently lost a tooth, you’re not alone. Thankfully, there is a solution. Consider talking to your dentist about dental implants. What are dental implants, exactly, and how can they benefit your oral health?
Keep reading to find out! After reading this guide, you can make an informed choice with your health in mind. In fact, receiving dental implants can impact your oral and overall health.
Read on to learn more today!
What are Dental Implants?
First, let’s answer the question that likely brought you here: what are dental implants?
Implants are designed prosthetics created to replace any missing or damaged teeth.
You can schedule surgery to have the implant placed within your jawbone. After the initial surgery, you’ll need to wait a few months. This gives the implant time to fuse with your jawbone.
This fusion is also called osseointegration. The process is necessary to ensure the implant remains in place. Then, you can experience the benefits of having a dental implant for years to come.
The process also ensures the implant will stimulate and preserve your natural jawbone structure. Without it, the jawbone could start to deteriorate.
Osseointegration is necessary to ensure the implant replaces the previous tooth’s original root. After the fusion process is complete, your dentist will need to use a bridge. The bridge is responsible for keeping the replacement tooth’s placement.
Your dentist might suggest a bridge if you need to replace multiple missing or damaged teeth. Bridges are also ideal for patients who need to secure dentures.
If you’re only missing one tooth, however, your dentist will use a dental crown instead.
Who Needs Implants?
If you’re still asking yourself “what are dental implants and who needs them,” consider scheduling a consultation appointment with your dentist. They’ll let you know if you’re an ideal candidate.
First, they’ll assess your oral health. Your dentist will need to make sure you’re healthy enough to undergo oral surgery.
They’ll also need to know if you have:
- Liver disease
- Heart disease
- Severe bleeding disorder
Let your dentist know if you’re a smoker, too.
During the evaluation appointment, they’ll also check your gums. You need healthy gums to become a candidate for dental implants.
Some patients don’t have enough bone necessary to keep a dental implant in place.
In these instances, your dentist might recommend an alternative treatment.
Types of Implants
When asking the question “what are dental implants,” it helps to know there are different options available. The type of implant you need can vary based on your:
- Overall current health
- Personal preferences
- Location of the missing tooth
- Jawbone health
- Budget
During your consultation appointment, you’ll likely discuss two treatment options. The two most common types of dental implants are endosteal and subperiosteal implants.
Subperiosteal implants are designed to rest on top of the jawbone. However, these implants aren’t used too often today.
Endosteal implants are placed within the jawbone.
Remember, fusing the implant with your jawbone will ensure the bone receives the stimulation it needs. Most patients experience better results with endosteal implants.
You might consider mini dental implants, too.
These implants are designed to appear smaller than normal dental implants. In some cases, your teeth will need anchorage for a short duration of time. Your dentist might suggest mini implants as a temporary treatment option.
They might decide you need all-in-four dental implants instead. These dental implants are ideal for patients who have teeth missing within an arch. The all-in-four implants will ensure stability.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Now that we’ve answered the question “what are dental implants,” let’s discuss the benefits. Here are a few benefits you can experience after your dental implants are placed.
1. They Behave Like Your Natural Teeth
One of the amazing benefits of dental implants is they look, function, and feel like natural teeth.
If you’re self-conscious about receiving dental implants, don’t worry. Most people won’t even realize you have implants in place. They’ll blend in among your natural teeth.
Once your implant is placed, you can start chewing and speaking as you normally would. You won’t have to cut certain foods from your diet anymore.
These implants are also biocompatible, meaning your body will accept the implant.
If there’s a gap between your teeth due to a missing tooth, you could experience discomfort. Instead, consider receiving a dental implant to avoid unnecessary pain.
2. They’ll Keep Your Teeth Stable
When there’s a gap between your teeth, the surrounding teeth might start migrating. They’ll naturally want to fill the space. Unfortunately, this process can cause your teeth to appear crooked.
You might notice a change in your appearance or bite if your teeth start to shift.
Filling the gap with an implant can ensure stability for your surrounding teeth.
3. Avoid Facial Sagging
Dental implants can help preserve jawbone, allowing you to avoid structural deterioration. If there’s a gap between your teeth, however, your lower face might start to shrivel.
You might notice changes in your appearance, including wrinkles.
Instead, avoid facial sagging by scheduling your dental implant procedure.
4. Dodge Bone Loss
If there’s a gap between your teeth, your jawbone won’t receive the stimulation it needs. You might experience bone loss and deterioration as a result. Before that can happen, replace the gap with an implant.
Your jawbone will receive stimulation, allowing you to avoid future issues.
5. Immediate Results
The success rate for dental implants is 98%. One of the great benefits is you can experience results right away. With proper maintenance and care, you can ensure your implants last, too.
Once you restore your smile, you can grin with renewed confidence. Your self-esteem will improve as well.
The immediate results you experience can help you avoid gum disease, too. Otherwise, food particles can hide between the gaps in your teeth. Gum disease could impact your overall health.
Before that can happen, consider the benefits of getting dental implants instead.
What Are Dental Implants?: Drilling into Better Oral Health
To recap, what are dental implants? They’re a lasting solution to missing or damaged teeth. Dental implants can restore your smile and have a lasting impact on your oral health.
Want to learn more about dental implants? You came to the right place.
Explore our latest guides today to discover everything you need to know!
