Dental Implants: Anchors for Smiles
If you feel self-conscious about missing teeth, uncomfortable dentures, or don't want to remove good tooth structure for a bridge, consult your dentist about the possibility of dental implants.
Dental implants are a popular and effective solution for replacing missing teeth, seamlessly blending with your natural teeth. They offer a long-term option for restoring your smile and have been a significant advancement in dentistry over the past 40 years. Made of titanium and other body-compatible materials, dental implants are surgically placed in the upper or lower jaw to serve as a strong anchor for replacement teeth.
Dental Implant Stages
Patients typically discover that a dental implant is a reliable, sturdy, and effective substitute for their natural tooth. The process of obtaining an implant generally involves three phases:
- Initially during the healing process, the dentist surgically implants the implant into the jawbone. Your dentist may advise consuming soft foods, cold foods, and warm soup as part of your diet.
- The bone surrounding the implant undergoes a healing process known as osseointegration, which is responsible for the implant's strength. The bone grows around the implant, securing it firmly in place. Osseointegration, meaning "combines with the bone," requires time. Typically, patients must wait several months for the implant to fully integrate before attaching replacement teeth.
- Finally, it is now time to place the artificial tooth or teeth. If you are getting a single tooth implant, your dentist will create a dental crown specifically for you. This crown will be customized to match the size, shape, color, and fit of your other teeth, ensuring it blends in seamlessly. If you are replacing multiple teeth, your dentist will create custom-made bridges or dentures that will fit your mouth and implants. It is important to note that the process of creating replacement teeth takes some time. In the meantime, your dentist may provide you with a temporary crown, bridge, or denture to help you eat and speak normally until the permanent replacement is ready.
Before considering dental implants, it is advisable to have a thorough discussion with your dentist. Your overall health plays a more significant role than your age in determining if this treatment is suitable for you. Prior to scheduling any implant surgery, a medical evaluation by a physician may be necessary. It is important to note that chronic illnesses like diabetes or leukemia can hinder the healing process after surgery, making patients with these conditions unsuitable candidates for implants. Additionally, the use of tobacco can impede the healing process as well.
