Have you lost one or more teeth due to trauma, gum disease or decay? This is a common and inevitable issue patients encounter at one point or another. While dentures and fixed bridges are conventional treatment options, technological advances in the dental word have made dental implants increasingly popular. Dental implants are titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone to replace missing tooth roots. This treatment option replaces missing teeth and offers better aesthetics and improved chewing efficiency compared to traditional tooth replacement methods.
Why Do I Need to Replace My Missing Teeth?
When you lose a tooth, the bone surrounding the tooth begins to dissolve and disintegrate through a process called bone resorption. Over time, the adjacent teeth can shift into the empty space, resulting in a bad bite and misalignment issues. If you wait too long to replace missing teeth, it can prevent you from receiving dental implants or bridges because of this misalignment. The longer you wait, the more bone loss occurs, which may require additional procedures like bone grafting before implant placement.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth root replacements that consist of titanium screws which are anchored to the jawbone. Once the dental implant is inserted into the jawbone, a tooth-colored dental crown is then placed on top of the implant.
Understanding Dental Crowns for Implants
A full coverage dental crown is used to restore a tooth that has a root canal, a very large fracture, or severe tooth decay. Dental crowns cover the entire surface of the tooth and protect it from additional wear and tear. Dental crowns are typically made from porcelain or porcelain-fused-to-metal materials. They are designed to resemble the look and color of natural teeth through custom color matching.
How Long Will The Placement of My Dental Implants Take?
The placement of dental implants is a multi-step process that typically takes 3 to 6 months to complete. However, in some cases, it can be completed in a single step through immediate loading procedures.
1. Before placing the dental implant, your dentist will review your medical history and perform comprehensive diagnostic imaging. He or she will also examine your bone quality and the condition of your adjacent teeth to determine if you are fit for this procedure. If you qualify as a candidate, a titanium implant is screwed into your jawbone during the first surgery.
2. Once the dental implant is inserted into your jawbone, the osseointegration process begins which will take 2 to 6 months. This biological process allows your dental implants to fuse with the bone and become a permanent part of your jaw structure.
3. During the second stage, an abutment attachment is placed onto the implant through a minor surgical procedure. The abutment serves as an anchor for the crown which is placed next.
What are The Pros of Dental Implants?
• They preserve natural tooth structure: dental implants do not affect your adjacent teeth, unlike bridges which require grinding down healthy teeth.
• They are an alternative for patients who wear dentures: dental implants can be used for patients with loose dentures to provide better retention, stability, chewing efficiency, and comfort through implant-supported prosthetics.
• They reduce bone loss: dental implants act like a natural tooth root which means they also stimulate the jawbone and prevent bone resorption.
• They improve chewing efficiency: dental implants restore up to 95% of natural chewing function, especially when compared to fixed bridges and dentures. Unlike dentures, dental implants won’t shift or slip out of your mouth during eating or speaking.
• They provide more natural and aesthetic results: not only do dental implants function the same way real teeth do, but they also look the same as real teeth with proper color matching and contouring.
• They are long lasting: dental implants are designed to last a long time with proper maintenance. With proper care and regular dental visits, dental implants can last for 25 years or longer.
What are the Cons of Dental Implants?
• Surgery complications: dental implants require a surgical procedure, which means the following complications can occur: bleeding, infection and nerve, sinus or nasal injuries. These risks are minimized through proper surgical techniques and post-operative care.
• Bone loss: dental implants that become infected by bacteria can cause periimplantitis, a gum disease which can result in bone loss around the implant site. This condition requires immediate treatment to prevent implant failure.
• Osseointegration failure: this biological process can fail to occur properly, which can happen soon after the placement of the implants (early failure) or can occur later on (delayed failure). Factors like smoking, poor oral hygiene, and certain medical conditions increase this risk.
• Cost: dental implants are higher in cost when compared to conventional bridges and dentures due to the surgical procedure, materials, and multiple appointments required. However, their longevity often makes them cost-effective over time.
