What Are the Benefits of a Dental Implant?

Things to Consider Before Getting Dental Implants

If you have a missing tooth and are considering a dental implant, you should consult with your dentist to see if you are a suitable candidate. A dental implant is an artificial replacement for a missing tooth, which acts and looks like a natural tooth. The implant is fused into the jaw and the gums will need to be relatively healthy to proceed. You will continue to look after a dental implant as you would your natural teeth with regular brushing. They are very durable and can last a minimum of ten years, requiring less attention than dentures. In fact, there are many benefits of a dental implant.

However, smokers are not good candidates for this dental treatment and if you have gum disease, you’ll need to complete treatment before having an implant. Implants don’t make you immune to gum disease, so you’ll need to be strict with your oral care routine. These and other considerations will be fully explained by your dentist when you go in for assessment.

Missing teeth or using dentures tend to negatively impact people’s speech. With an implant, this is something that you won’t need to worry about. Your voice will sound just like it did before you lost your tooth.

The Different Types of Dental Implants

Your dentist may have two options in choosing materials for the implants. The two most common substances are titanium and zirconia. Let’s take a quick look at some of the main qualities of each in order to appreciate your options.
Titanium is extremely hard, lightweight and will not become discoloured over time. Zirconia is best for patients who may be allergic to metals. However, zirconia may fracture easier than titanium — so your dentist will take this into consideration.

If you’re a candidate for dental implants, your dentist can discuss which material would be best for your implant.

What Are Mini Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a popular way to replace a missing tooth. Mini dental implants are much smaller versions and so require less surgery. They are often used for replacing smaller teeth or used with people who do not have enough bone in their jaw to withstand a full-size implant.

Mini implants have anchors which are secured to the jaw with a small hole. They cost less than full-size implants and can often be installed in one visit.

When dental implants are not an option or you want a less expensive, less invasive solution to restore your smile, mini implants can be a great alternative. Talk to your dentist today to find out more about mini dental implants.

With a small size, low cost, and fast healing time, mini dental implants are a great option for a wider smile.

Dental Implant Complications

Peri-implantitis is a condition that involves inflammation of the gum tissue surrounding a dental implant. It is caused by bacteria nesting in the gums around the implants. Signs and symptoms of peri-implantitis include redness and tender gums, pain bleeding and pus.

This complication can put your dental implant at risk, but can be avoided with good oral hygiene. Risk factors include tobacco use, diabetes, periodontitis and poor oral hygiene.

Brush your teeth twice a day, floss regularly and visit your dentist for exams and cleanings to keep gums and teeth healthy. Floss gently around your implants so you don’t damage the gum tissue.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants are widely recognised as the best method for replacing missing teeth. Unlike dentures, bridges or false teeth, implants require no special attention or cleaning.

When fitted by a dentist, a dental implant has a number of distinct advantages over alternative methods of tooth replacement as they:

– Look, feel and act just like natural teeth
– Allow any bone loss in the jaw to regenerate
– Are permanently fitted in place and will not slip or fall out
– You can enjoy your favourite foods again.
– Dental implants help keep your teeth in position and prevent shifting
– Implants are versatile and can be used with an import-supported bridge to replace several missing teeth.
– You will save money you might have used on bridges and replacements.

Dental implants also have a very high success rate of over 95% which makes the likelihood of rejection very small.

Bad Habits that can Destroy your Dental Implants

Dental implants are used for replacing teeth and they can last a lifetime. Although the titanium post cannot be damaged, bad oral habits can destroy the crown. Dental crowns can get damaged from physical trauma, teeth grinding or chewing on pens, fingernails or nut shells. If you notice any crack or chip, see the dentist immediately for treatment. The dentist might repair with fillings or resin or recommend a new crown.

Always remember to guard your dental implants by wearing a mouth-guard during sports and treating teeth grinding.

Will a Dental Implant Become Crooked or Discoloured

Even though dental implants are excellent when you need to replace one or more teeth, will they really hold up over time? Do you have to be concerned about issues such as an implant changing colour or becoming crooked? Let’s look at three important takeaway points.

– A professionally placed implant should remain firmly in place
– Porcelain crowns are highly resistant to stains
– Still, substances such as coffee and cigarettes might slightly affect their colour over the years

These are just some of the benefits of dental implants. If placed and cared for properly, your dental implants should last you a lifetime.