A dental implant is a prosthetic replacement or an artificial tooth that is used to treat tooth loss. Dental Implants are natural-looking dental fixtures that can be inserted into the upper as well as the lower jaws.
Tooth decay is one of the foremost reasons, which lead to eventual tooth loss. Other reasons may include normal deterioration, periodontitis or any kind of gum disease as well as root canal failure.
Tooth loss often results in irregularities that make it difficult for the individual to eat or speak. A dental implant is one among the various kinds of treatments that successfully treats tooth loss. Dental Implants are, in fact, considered to be more effective than traditional fillings and dental bridges. This is because they are not dependent upon the surrounding teeth for sustaining them.
Some of the main advantages of dental implants are that unlike dentures they check bone loss and prevent the gums from receding, since a dental implant is incorporated into the very structure of the bone. Unlike a denture or a dental bridge, when a dental implant is inserted, the surrounding teeth are left without any modifications done to them. Therefore, the neighboring teeth are not altered at all, once a dental implant is inserted. Dental Implants also offer better support and a higher rate of stability than removable dentures or fixed dental bridges. Dental implants have proven efficient in such cases where they are used along with other restorative procedures like bridges and dentures.
Treatment for a dental implant is performed by a qualified surgeon or periodontist who first drills a precision hole, also called an osteotomy, into the jawbone and the dental fixture is then placed there. In the flapless procedure, the dentist needs to remove a small portion of the gingival tissue just above the drilling site where the implant is then inserted. This is followed by the addition of a crown. This surgery is performed usually under local anesthesia. One or multiple implants can be done in a single surgery. The patient will then need some time to heal from the surgery and several months should be given when the jawbone goes through the process of Osseointegration. This process helps the implant to bond with the jawbone.
There are a number of complementary procedures that may have to be followed before or after the implant. These include sinus lifting and bone grafting.
Who should use dental implants?
Implants can be done on healthy gums only, since they need a solid base to get effective results. Therefore, an individual with healthy gums can go in for a dental implant. People with heavy drinking and smoking habits, however, should avoid this treatment, since they will likely encounter problems healing. Smoking and alcohol use inhibit the body’s natural healing abilities. Other individuals with diseases like diabetes are not ideal candidates either. Good oral health is a prerequisite and the jawbone needs to be strong in order to hold the implant together. There must be a complete analysis done by your dentist. A CT scan gives details about bone density and the shape of the jaw is required before the implant is inserted. After the implant is done, it must be cared for properly. Complications can be avoided by continuing regular visits to your dental office.
Please consult a dentist for additional information about dental implants and the treatment options that work best for your case. Click here to find a dentist in your area. Enter your ZIP code below to find a money-saving discount dental plan available near you.
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