Implants are the finest way to replicate the appearance, feel, and function of natural teeth. Dental implants do much more than just restore lost teeth. They aid in the maintenance and strengthening of bone structure, enable patients to chew nutritious foods, and give them the courage to smile. Moreover, they safeguard existing teeth by preserving bone integrity.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are basically artificial tooth roots, that are put in your jawbone to support your dentures, bridges or replacement teeth. They’re made of titanium, which is a type of metal that’s good for the human body because it gets along with it just fine. The dental implant procedure is done through several stages, and it’s usually considered after a thorough dental examination that may include X-rays, impressions and all that. They want to make sure you’re a good candidate and your age, health condition and jawbone condition will be taken into account.
Implant Procedure and Process
There are resources to learn more about whether you are a good candidate for dental implants. If you’re considered a suitable candidate, the process of an implant will begin with a surgery that involves placing the implant into the jawbone, usually done while under local anesthesia, after making a small incision in the gum to get to the bone. After that, the implant is placed into the bone, and the gum is put back together using stitches.
During the next weeks to months, the implant will gradually bond with the jawbone via a process called osseointegration, during which the patient might have to use a temporary restoration to replace the missing tooth. Once the implant is fully bonded with the jawbone, a small connector called an abutment is attached to it, which connects the implant to the replacement tooth, bridge, or denture.
And then finally, a custom-made replacement tooth, bridge or denture is placed and connected to the abutment. This replacement is tailored to match the patient’s natural teeth’s color, shape, and size. The dental implant process, with proper care, can last many years and provide a long-term solution for missing teeth.
The Importance of Dental Implants
As a patient loses a tooth, a number of things begin to occur that are not immediately obvious but may have a big detrimental impact on their health and look. Tooth roots are essential for preserving the health of the gums and bone structures that surround and support the teeth. Bone loss in the jawbone is a serious issue that happens spontaneously after tooth loss. This bone loss may jeopardize the integrity of adjacent tooth roots and dental stability, and it also contributes significantly to the “sunken” appearance of those who have lost some or all teeth. It is the reason why denture-wearing individuals’ dentures become more difficult to fit and retain over time.
The insertion of dental implants can stimulate bone development in the region around the implant, which not only reinforces the bone and provides support, but also alleviates the sunken appearance that can result from bone loss in the jaw. This process is referred to as osseointegration, and it is a key advantage of implant placement since it helps prevent future bone loss.
While having a beautiful smile and the confidence that comes with it is vital, dental implants also provide major health benefits. Whether replacing a single tooth or many teeth, implants are an essential method for restoring and preserving dental health.
Why Is It Important to Replace Lost Teeth?
Why are dental implants important? It’s essential to replace lost permanent teeth for the following reasons:
Maintaining Proper Bite And Alignment
Teeth are designed to work together, and when one or more are missing, it can affect the way your remaining teeth function. This can cause the remaining teeth to shift, leading to an improper bite and potential alignment issues.
Preventing Bone Loss
The jawbone relies on the stimulation it receives from the teeth to maintain its structure and density. When a tooth is lost, the bone in that area can begin to deteriorate and weaken, leading to further tooth loss and changes in facial structure.
Improving Speech
Teeth play a critical role in the way we form words and speak. Missing teeth can affect your ability to enunciate properly, leading to speech difficulties.
Enhancing Appearance And Self-Confidence
Missing teeth can also impact the way you look and feel about yourself. Replacing missing teeth can help restore your smile, improve your appearance, and boost your self-confidence.
Restoring Normal Abilities with Dental Implants
Missing teeth can make it difficult to eat and chew certain foods, leading to dietary restrictions and potentially serious nutritional deficiencies that can affect overall health. Replacing missing teeth can help restore normal chewing and eating abilities, improving overall health and quality of life.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants have multiple benefits over traditional tooth replacement options like bridges and dentures. They are designed to look, feel, and function like natural teeth, improving the patient’s ability to speak, eat and smile with confidence. In addition, they can prevent bone loss in the jaw, which can happen when teeth are missing and not replaced.
And to top it off, dental implants do not require the grinding down of adjacent teeth, which is something that dental bridges do require. If you have one or more missing permanent teeth, dental implants are a viable treatment option and an important dental procedure to discuss with us at TruSmile.
