Today, a majority of dental professionals believe that implants are the optimal choice for tooth replacement. Their durability, natural appearance, and unique ability to protect your oral health make these appliances stand out. This blog will explain why dentists consider dental implants to be today’s most advanced treatment for tooth replacement.
Missing Teeth: More Than a Cosmetic Problem
If you are missing one or more teeth, you may feel uncomfortable with your smile. Visible gaps can undermine your confidence and make you feel inhibited in social situations. You may cover your mouth when you smile or avoid photos altogether.
However, missing teeth impact not only your self-confidence, but also your oral health. If you choose not to replace a missing tooth, the empty socket may trap food and plaque. You may have a higher likelihood of decay in your adjacent teeth. Gum disease could also endanger your healthy teeth.
A missing tooth lets its neighbors drift out of position. The resulting malocclusion makes it more challenging to keep your teeth and gums clean, once again increasing the risk of decay and periodontal disease. Finally, if you had orthodontic work in the past, your teeth will likely revert to their pre-treatment positions, negating your investment.
How Dental Implants Work
A dental implant is different from conventional bridges and dentures because it replaces both the root and crown of a natural tooth.
The Dental Implant Process
Consultation
The implant process begins with a consultation where we evaluate whether you are a good candidate for the procedure. In general, most healthy adults can receive dental implants, but certain medical conditions, such as cancer or uncontrolled diabetes, could impact your ability to undergo the procedure. During your consultation, you will also have the opportunity to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with us.
One key aspect of our consultation is 3-D Cone Beam Scanner imaging. The Cone Beam scanner is a specialized X-ray that rotates around your entire head, capturing digital images that we use to understand your anatomy. The 3-D scan determines whether you have sufficient bone density in your jaw to accept dental implants, as well as locating the position of nerves, blood vessels, and the sinus cavities.
If your bone density is lower than we need, you can undergo a separate oral surgery called a dental bone graft and return to the implant process after healing is complete, usually after 6 to 9 months.
Digitally Guided Planning
When you are ready, we will plan your surgery. We use highly advanced software to help us plan and 3D print a surgical guide to ensure ideal placement of your dental implant.
The Surgical Process
On the day of your surgery, we will ensure you receive enough local anesthesia so that you will not feel any discomfort. Your doctor will make a small opening in your gum and use a special tool to prepare the area for the placement of a small titanium anchor. Over time, the anchor and your jawbone will fuse in a natural process known as osseointegration. Your doctor will close the gum over the anchor and allow the area to heal for a few months before the next step.
Your doctor reopens the gum and attaches a cap or abutment to the implant anchor. The crown that replaces the visible part of your tooth will screw or be cemented securely to this abutment.
Types of Dental Implants
- Single-Tooth Implants: Replace one tooth at a time; best for patients missing only one or two teeth.
- Implant-Supported Bridges: Ideal for patients missing a few neighboring teeth.
- Implant-Supported Dentures: The best choice for patients with several teeth that are missing or need extraction. They are available as partial dentures and as full-arch restorations and are either removable or not removable (screwed down).
Dental Implants: The Gold Standard
Dentists and patients alike prefer implants for many reasons. The advantages of dental implants include:
- Natural, attractive appearance that completes a healthy smile
- Comfort compared to bridges and dentures
- Easy cleaning and maintenance
- No food restrictions
- Improved oral health outcomes
- Replacing the root of the tooth, as well as the crown, protects against jawbone loss that can age your appearance.
If you are ready to start your dental implant journey, call us for a consultation. We will help you learn why dental implants are today’s gold standard and how they can change your life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
Can I eat anything I want with dental implants?
After we clear you for a regular diet, you can eat nearly anything you want. You may wish to exercise the same level of caution as you would with a standard dental crown: avoid overly sticky or extremely hard foods, such as caramel candies or popcorn kernels.
What is the success rate for dental implants?
In healthy adults, dental implants succeed about 95 percent of the time. The body does not often reject these appliances. Patients who do not care for their implants and their gums may develop peri-implantitis, an infection that can cause loosening or complete loss of the implant.
Do I have to quit smoking to get implants?
Tobacco use greatly interferes with healing because nicotine in any form restricts blood flow. It is ideal to stop using all tobacco products before and after getting dental implants.
How important is brushing and flossing with dental implants?
Brushing and flossing your teeth, including your new dental implant, are cornerstones of oral health. Brush and floss around your implant with care, removing all plaque and food particles.
How often do I need to see a dentist with implants?
In general, you can stay on your regular appointment schedule, but you may need more frequent checkups depending on your oral health.
We serve the residents of Westbury, NY, and the surrounding area with highly advanced dental care in a friendly setting. Your oral health matters to us. If you have a missing tooth you have wanted to replace, please call us today to schedule a consultation. We will help you decide which tooth replacement solution is ideal for you and help complete your healthy smile.