If you have missing teeth, there are multiple replacement options from which you can choose. Dental implants are one, and they are a popular choice for various reasons. Although implants may be an effective treatment method, they are not for everyone. Therefore, you should consider the benefits and other information before making a decision.
The implant procedure consists of inserting rods into the jawbone and attaching tooth-colored crowns to the top. This method provides a variety of benefits over other replacement procedures.
Dental implants are not recommended for every patient. Because the implants go into the bone and there is a long healing process, candidates have certain requirements. For example, an individual must have adequate jawbone density to insert the titanium rods.
A candidate must not have other underlying dental issues or health problems that interfere with healing. A good candidate should also have stellar oral hygiene habits and not be a smoker.
The insertion of dental implants into the jaw provides a stable and robust foundation for the crowns. This means that the patient can eat regular foods and speak normally. The teeth also do not slip around like some other replacement options.
If teeth are not replaced, or there is no normal biting function, the jawbone begins to lose density. This has nasty consequences over the long run, including further teeth loss and changes in facial features such as sagging skin. Therefore, missing teeth should be replaced as soon as possible for the least amount of bone loss.
With the implants in the bone, the bone begins to grow around the rods. In addition, implants allow for normal and balanced biting forces, which further contribute to bone growth. As a result, there is no bone loss.
Dental implants are a good investment. Unlike other methods, implants are designed to last a long time. With the proper care, most implants will never need replacement.
There is no need for unique cleaning products or a different routine with implants. They are brushed and flossed just like regular teeth. The crowns cannot decay like natural teeth, which means they will never develop cavities. However, it is still essential to visit the dentist regularly, as the gums are not indestructible. Professional cleanings and exams are still necessary to keep the gums and other soft tissues healthy.
It is important to understand that getting dental implants is not a quick process. The procedure requires multiple office visits with healing time between many of them. In addition, if a patient needs a tooth extraction or bone graft first, this adds more time to the total process. For the average patient, the total time between beginning and completion is between six and 13 months.
When considering implants, patients often have a variety of questions.
Is there anything to be done about decreased bone density?
If a person wants dental implants but does not have sufficient jawbone for the titanium rods, this does not necessarily mean this person is not eligible for the procedure. Depending on the situation, the dentist may recommend a bone graft. This consists of taking bone from elsewhere in the body or using synthetic material and adding it to the jaw. It takes additional time for the bones to fuse and strengthen, but then it is ready for the placement of implants.
What is the healing process like?
Many of the steps involved with dental implants require a healing period. In the initial periods, the gums may be tender. Pain medication or ice packs may be recommended to manage pain and swelling. The dentist will generally instruct the patient to stick with liquids and soft foods and limit chewing on the surgical areas for the first few days.
Once the permanent crowns are placed, the patient can resume normal activities right away. However, it may take a little while to get used to having a full mouth of teeth.
There are a lot of factors to look at if you are considering getting dental implants. Although there are numerous benefits, it takes a commitment and plenty of time to complete the entire process. Therefore, you should discuss both pros and cons with your dentist to see if it is a viable option for you.
Request an appointment here: https://agourahillscosmeticdentists.com or call The Smile Spa at (818) 573-2196 for an appointment in our Agoura Hills office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Implants in Agoura Hills, CA.
Dental implants are among the most popular missing teeth replacement options available in general dentistry. They are the only oral prosthetics that replace missing teeth and their roots, which means they preserve bone tissues in the jaw. Bone tissue loss typically takes place when teeth fall out due to the bone tissues not getting the…
A dental implant can replace a deteriorated natural tooth. Your dentist will try everything to keep the tooth intact. Replacing the tooth is important if the tooth is too damaged. Removable dentures will not provide the stability or strength you need. An implant will be the ideal tooth replacement. If you want to know the…
For those who severely damage or lose a permanent tooth, dental implants can restore the appearance and function of a healthy smile. This option produces a durable and more natural-looking replacement than other alternatives, such as crowns or bridges. While the treatment process can be lengthy, most patients find they can return to a normal…
Gum disease, if left untreated, often results in tooth loss, leaving many patients to wonder if they can get dental implants. Even gum disease patients who do not develop the advanced form of the disease, known as periodontitis, may want to replace missing or decayed teeth with implants. Is this possible, or will unhealthy gums…
Many families with adolescents in need of straighter smiles are opting for Invisalign® for teens over traditional braces. Braces use wires and frequent adjustments to straighten each tooth individually. Invisalign clear aligners straighten all the teeth at once and are swapped out for new ones about every two weeks during the process. These aligners are…
At some time or another, most individuals will need dental restoration. Restoring teeth is necessary when the teeth are in poor condition due to decay or a lack of proper oral care. Modern dentistry offers a wide variety of options for dental restorations.There are so many fantastic alternatives when it comes to dental restorations that…