It can sometimes be embarrassing to smile if you’re missing one or several teeth. If you have dentures and they become loose, it can be quite as embarrassing. Dental implants are designed to help restore your confidence to speak, smile, eat, and enjoy life with a healthy smile.
Dental implants are essentially the next best thing to real teeth and are designed to feel, look, and function like natural teeth. Due to the many advantages they offer over traditional tooth replacement options, they have become a popular option for many people these days.
In this guide, you will learn about dental implants and how they can help you restore your naturally beautiful smile.
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is an artificial alternative to your missing tooth. The artificial tooth is made to feel and appear natural, which lets you enjoy a natural-looking smile. Whether you’ve lost a tooth through an accident, tooth decay, gum disease, or root canal failure, dental implants can be a great solution.
Implants ideally replace a single tooth or several adjacent teeth depending on the patient. If you had dentures before, implants can help make the dentures more secure, such that they look, feel, and function like natural teeth. Dental implants have a success rate of about 98% for healthy patients.
Nowadays, implants are made of titanium, as the metal is biocompatible and offers durability and strength as well as a unique characteristic of fusing to the bone directly. This happens in a process referred to as osseointegration. Other materials like zirconium may be used to make implants in the future.
What is the Dental Implant Procedure?
According to Dental Implant Clinic Dublin, the dental implant procedure timeline will largely depend on the complexity of your dental problem and your overall health. Some of the issues that could extend the tooth implant timeline are the need for tooth extractions and bone grafting. If you don’t need either and you simply need a single implant, then the implant can be installed in one office visit.
The following are some of the steps to help explain the dental implant procedure in detail.
Initial assessment
The first step is to perform a thorough examination and develop a personalised treatment plan.
Placing the implant
After the examination is complete, the next step is placing the implant followed by the final restoration process. This typically includes surgically placing a screw-shaped implant into the jaw bone. This is then allowed some time to heal completely.
As the healing occurs, the implant fuses with the bone to form a strong, durable foundation for the crown part of the implant. This could take a few weeks to months. For some patients, a temporary prosthesis may be used to restore the function of the area while the implant is healing.
Attaching the abutment
When the implant has successfully integrated with the jawbone, a special crown is screwed onto the implant. The final prosthesis may be a single tooth, a bridge, or a denture with several teeth attached to the abutment.
Fitting and re-examination
Once the crown is ready, it will be attached to the abutment. This is commonly followed by one or several other follow-up visits to make sure it offers a good, comfortable fit, with the desired look and functionality.
The next step is to maintain the implant at home with home care and keep up with the recommended dental visits to maintain optimal implant health.
Benefits of Dental Implants
The main benefits of dental implants are restored confidence and functionality. Here are a few more benefits to consider:
Natural Appearance: Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth, restoring your smile and facial aesthetics.
Greater Comfort: Unlike removable dentures, implants are permanent fixtures in your mouth, eliminating discomfort and inconvenience.
Improved Speech: With dental implants, you can speak confidently without worrying about slippage or mumbling caused by traditional dentures.
Durability: Implants are designed to last a lifetime with proper care, offering a long-term solution for tooth replacement.
Preservation of Jawbone: Implants stimulate bone growth and prevent bone loss, preserving the integrity of your jawbone and facial structure.
Due to their advantages over traditional teeth replacement options, dental implants offer excellent long-term value and are often a great investment in your long-term oral health.
Risks and Considerations
While dental implants have a high success rate, they may not be suitable for everyone. Factors such as overall health, bone density, and oral hygiene habits can affect the outcome of the procedure. Common risks and considerations include:
Surgical Risks: Like any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection, bleeding, or damage to surrounding structures.
Bone Loss: Inadequate bone density or volume may require bone grafting procedures before implant placement.
Implant Failure: Although rare, implants can fail to integrate with the bone or develop complications over time.
Cost: Dental implants are a significant investment, and the cost may vary depending on the complexity of the case and additional procedures required.
Moreover, you’re responsible for the long-term maintenance and care of your implants. Your local dentist can help look after them but at your own cost.
