Are Dental Implants the Right Choice for You?
Missing teeth is a common problem. Sometimes, they result from injury or trauma, but more often, they are caused by decay or extraction.
Unfortunately, missing teeth can have unwanted effects on your life and body. For example, they can make you feel less confident, harm your oral health, and reduce your ability to eat comfortably.
Fortunately, dental implants can help. They are a long-term, natural-looking solution that mimics the functionality of conventional teeth–a significant upgrade over dentures.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are essentially replacement teeth. The implant section is a titanium post that is placed into the jawbone and osseointegrates with it (like a natural root), while an artificial crown completes the external biting surface. This combination is highly effective in returning functionality. Titanium posts transmit force from the crown to the jawbone, helping to restore mouth structure and even reverse some of the harm caused by long-term missing teeth.
Implants are not the same as bridges or dentures. Bridges are prosthetics that replace missing teeth by attaching a new crown to surrounding implants or natural teeth. Dentures are sets of false teeth that adhere to various surfaces in the mouth but don’t require any surgery to install.
These options are helpful for some patients, especially in the short term, but they don’t offer complete restoration. Meanwhile, dental implants serve as more permanent replacement teeth and don’t have the same drawbacks as conventional solutions.
Benefits of Dental Implants
The benefits of dental implants are substantial, especially compared to living with missing teeth. Here are some of the perks you can expect:
Permanent and durable replacement teeth
One benefit is that dental implants are permanent, lifetime prosthetics. Many implants can last upwards of 20 years or more with proper care. They won’t require regular replacement like dentures or bridges.
Furthermore, they are less prone to breakage. Titanium is a strong metal that fuses securely with the underlying jawbone (assuming there is enough of it). This factor makes the need for eventual replacement less likely.
Better jawbone health and a reduced risk of bone loss
Dental implants maintain jawbone health and prevent bone loss, counteracting the effect of missing teeth. Titanium posts transmit chewing pressures from eating, stimulating the mandible tissue and causing it to grow, expand, and get stronger.
This action is the opposite of what happens in people with ongoing tooth loss. Often, these individuals lose bone mass in their jaws if chewing pressure is absent. However, implants restore this force.
Improved speech, chewing ability, and overall comfort
Finally, dental implants improve speech and chewing ability by restoring the jaw’s natural structure. Many people find dental implants comfortable, especially compared to wearing dentures that can become loose.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
The following individuals are ideal candidates for dental implants:
- Individuals with good oral and overall health (Dental implant installation requires the bone and gum to heal around the newly inserted post.)
- Individuals with sufficient jawbone density to support the implant (Sometimes, tooth loss can lead to a loss of jawbone tissue over time, which is why timely treatment is critical.)
- Non-smokers or those willing to quit (Continuing to smoke can impede the healing process after implantation.)
- Those with chronic conditions like diabetes or gum disease (Installing implants into infected gums could make tissue loss and the infection worse.)
When Might Dental Implants Not Be the Best Choice?
While dental implants are often the best option for treating tooth loss, better treatments are sometimes available. For instance, dental implants aren’t always suitable for treating patients with significant bone loss or periodontal disease.
Those with chronic health conditions that affect healing may also want to skip dental implants. Illness can interfere with or even prevent recovery.
Finally, cost is also a consideration. Up front, implants are more expensive than other tooth replacement options and may not fit every budget. However, many people view dental implants as an investment because of how long they last. Ultimately, they can save you money because, if well taken care of, they rarely need to be replaced.
The Dental Implant Process: What to Expect
If you’re considering dental implants for either cosmetic or practical reasons, here’s what you can expect:
Step 1: Initial consultation and evaluation
The first step is an initial consultation and evaluation. During this session, your dentist will talk to you about the process, the procedure, and whether you are a candidate. They will take a CT scan to assess the jawbone structure and determine whether it can accept a titanium post.
Step 2: Surgical placement of the implant post
Next comes the placement of the implant, where your dentist will surgically position the implant in your jawbone. If you feel anxious about this procedure, ask about the IV sedation we offer.
Step 3: Healing and osseointegration
The next step is to wait for healing and osseointegration, or fusion, with the jawbone. As the bone tissue mends around the new titanium post, it will attach to it like a regular tooth root, holding it in place until it is ready to accept the crown. Typically, this is a six-month process.
Step 4: Placement of the final crown and long-term care
When the implant is fully osseointegrated, your dentist will place the final implant crown in position. This last step involves uncovering the implant, taking impressions for the implant crown, and then finally placing the implant crown. This implant crown provides a natural-feeling surface attached to the post in the jawbone.
Professional Dental Implants in Durango
Dental implants are a highly effective solution for missing teeth, but they require careful consideration. As it’s a significant operation, your dentist must ensure you are fit for the procedure. Smokers, those with chronic conditions, or individuals with insufficient bone density may have to wait or try different options.
Whenever you consider a treatment like this, it is critical to work with a trusted dental professional for the best advice and treatment plan. Allow Durango Dental to be your go-to for implants. Schedule a consultation with us today.