Dental implants are root replacements which can replace one or more missing teeth. For those concerned with their dental appearance, dental implants are the best solution to restoring full confidence to those who opt for this relatively simple procedure. Dental implants can help solve many aesthetic and functional issues with your current dental work without disturbing other natural teeth. Of all the available treatments for missing dental work, dental implants have been shown to be the most effective and durable choice for patients.
Dental implants work by placing an artificial tooth root into the jaw. They are made of medical grade titanium, the same materials used in orthopedic surgery. After osseointegration, or the healing of the implant to the bone, the implant is then topped with a replacement tooth or bridge. These implants can also provide support for a denture, making it more comfortable and secure, as well as support a bridge without having to use a removable partial denture. The best thing about this procedure is that neighboring teeth are not necessary to reinforce the replacement, meaning that other natural teeth need not be affected by the restorative process. Another advantage of dental implants is that they are permanent, long lasting and can also be used in association with other restorative dental procedures.
Currently, the most popular form of dental implants are known as endosteal implants. Endosteal implants are the most commonly used type of implant and involve placing a screw or cylinder into the jawbone. Each implant can hold one or more replacement tooth. Prior to endosteal implants, subperiosteal implants were used. However, they were very difficult to maintain, and in the event of an infection, removal of the implant was extremely difficult. Endosteal implants offer many advantages in that they are small, simple to insert, and easy to maintain. They have been used successfully since the 1970’s.
Dental implants can improve your ability to chew with confidence. Studies have shown that people with missing or loose teeth do not healthy foods as well as those with strong, stable teeth. Those who opt for dental implants are free from the worry of falling or ill-fitting dentures and the messy pastes, glues and cleanup involved with them. Caring for dental implants is also simple, since all you have to do is care for them as though they were your regular teeth, with regular flossing and brushing. And since dental implants look and feel like your own teeth, no one will ever be able to tell the difference.
Ideal candidates are those who have relatively good oral health and gum tissues. In addition, it is important that the patient is systemically healthy and underlying medical conditions such as diabetes or heart disease are well controlled. It is best to personally consult a periodontist or other oral healthcare provider in order to determine if implants are right for you.
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