Dental implants have tremendous benefits over dental bridges, dentures, and other teeth restoration procedures as they offer greater stability and dental function than any other option. Dental implant surgery is a highly invasive procedure, and only eligible patients can undergo this procedure. But if you have single or multiple missing teeth, excellent oral health, and can afford to dedicate a certain period of time to this procedure, dental implants are the best dental restoration option for you.
Tooth Implant Restoration
Dental implants are metal posts that are surgically inserted inside a jawbone. When a person is missing one or several teeth, the bite force is not transported to the jawbone from the missing tooth's location. This can result in less stimulation to the jawbone, which results in bone resorption.
Dental implants are better than dental bridges and dentures, as they replace missing tooth roots, offering a feel and appearance that resembles natural teeth. Dental implants can also serve as a strong foundation for other teeth restoration options, like dental crowns, dentures, and bridges.
Dental implants are typically made from titanium, a biocompatible material that easily fuses with the jawbone and doesn't cause any complications or infections at the implant site. Titanium has a high success rate, and if a person takes care of their dental implants, the restoration can last from 30 to 50 years to a lifetime.
The main factor of a successful dental implant procedure is osseointegration. It is the process of fusion of the implant body with the jawbone. When the dental implant body is surgically inserted inside the jawbone, it is allowed to heal over a period of a few months.
The jawbone grows around the dental implant, making it a part of itself, ensuring the highest stability and strength. This solid foundation of a replacement tooth offers greater durability, functionality, and stability as compared to dentures and dental bridges.
Why Is it Important to Replace Missing Teeth With Dental Implants?
When a person is missing one or more teeth due to an illness, injury, or poor oral hygiene, there are cosmetic as well as functional problems associated. Missing teeth cannot just diminish the self-confidence of a person, but it also reduces the ability to chew and speak properly. This effect of missing teeth on the quality of life of a person makes it important that the teeth are replaced quickly and efficiently.
Teeth are important for a lot of body functions. Not only do they aid in chewing and digestion, they enable a person to pronounce words correctly and help shape the face. Permanent teeth can maintain these functions throughout the life of a person, but when poor oral hygiene, illness, or injury damages one or more teeth, patients must seek proper treatment immediately.
Here are some of the benefits of teeth replacement using dental implants.
| • | Dental implants offer a much more stable and secure foundation for prosthetic teeth than bridges and dentures. Dental bridges and dentures can slip or slide during a conversation or when a person is eating food. This can result in discomfort and affect the quality of life. Dental implants never slide or move from their place, offering appearance and functions that are similar to natural teeth. |
| • | Dental implants prevent bone loss. When the implant body replaces the missing teeth roots, it transfers the bite force all the way into the bone. When the jawbone is stimulated regularly, it doesn't lose bone mass or degenerate. This is why dental implants prevent facial sagging and a sunken appearance of the face that occurs with long-term use of dentures. |
| • | Dental implants support the structure and function of surrounding teeth. When it ensures that the jawbone maintains its strength and mass, the surrounding teeth are also better supported and do not fall out. This is why dental implants prevent further tooth loss. |
| • | Dental implants are made from titanium, a biocompatible material that fuses well with the jawbone. This ensures lifelong durability and stability of the teeth restoration. When a person takes care of their oral hygiene and cleans their implants properly, the dental implants can function properly for a lifetime. |
| • | Dental implants look more natural than other teeth replacement options, like dentures and dental bridges. Your dentist will create a custom-made replacement tooth that matches the size, color, and shape of your natural teeth and then attach it to your dental implant. |
All-on-4 Dental Implants
Dental implants are generally an expensive alternative to dentures and dental bridges. It is uncommon to replace a full set of missing teeth using single implants for every tooth. This is why a revolutionary technique called the All-on-4 Treatment Concept successfully replaces multiple missing teeth to restore the full function of the mouth.
The All-on-4 dental implant procedure uses four dental implants to replace a full set of upper or lower teeth. Since four dental implants support a full denture, an All-on-4 procedure doesn't require the same bone density as a single dental implant requires.
Two dental implants are positioned at the front, and two are placed at an angle at the back of the mouth. This combination of just four implants to replace a full set of teeth has many advantages. First, it allows placement of the implants even when certain areas of the jawbone have reduced bone density. Second, it is less invasive than getting single dental implants. And third, the healing process is significantly shorter, thus decreasing the time it takes to complete the whole procedure.
Dental implants are made of materials that follow international standards, which makes them a safe choice for teeth replacement. At Mid Valley Family Dental, our dentist, Kendall F. Horn, D.M.D., makes sure that every patient knows the risks and benefits of dental implants before they consider having the surgery. To schedule an appointment, contact us at (503) 981-5111.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Can Dental Implants Help With?
Dental implants can replace missing teeth, offering a solution that mimics the look and function of natural teeth. They're used for single-tooth replacements, supporting dental bridges, or anchoring dentures. Implants help maintain jawbone health, prevent teeth shifting, and restore chewing and speaking abilities.
How To Care For Dental Implants?
Caring for dental implants involves regular oral hygiene practices, similar to caring for natural teeth. This includes brushing twice daily, flossing, and using an antimicrobial mouthwash. Regular dental check-ups are essential to ensure the health of the implants and surrounding gum tissue.
What Are The Types Of Dental Implants?
The most common types of dental implants are endosteal implants, which are placed directly into the jawbone, and subperiosteal implants, which are placed under the gum but above the jawbone. The choice of implant depends on the patient's jawbone structure, dental needs, and preferences.