Dental Implants – The Best Alternative to Natural Teeth
If you have already lost a tooth or even several teeth, then you know just how inconvenient, uncomfortable and embarrassing it can be, not to mention how it can affect your daily activities. Many people find that they become less social, talk less and even avoid others in an effort to hide their missing teeth. Fortunately, for those patients that have missing teeth, there are several viable treatment options when it comes to tooth replacement and denture alternatives. Many people find that dental implants are often preferred by dentists because they are the most durable and natural looking tooth alternatives. When compared to dentures, dental implants last longer and provide a more permanent result.
In the past, dental implants required complicated oral surgery, but new techniques have made this procedure far more mainstream and comfortable for the patient. The procedure can be performed in a shorter amount of time than ever before, with beautiful results. The initial step of the procedure involves implanting the foundations into the jaw where the artificial crown will then be attached. The time required for this procedure will depend on your several factors including your existing oral health and also how quickly the implant is able to fuse to the existing bone.
After the dental implants have been placed into your mouth and have had sufficient time to fuse, the next step is to attach a crown. After several months of healing, your dentist will uncover the implant and attach an abutment (which holds the crown or tooth-like replacement) to the implant. In some cases, the abutment may be attached during the initial procedure. Once the abutment is in place, your dentist then will create a temporary crown. The temporary crown serves as a template around which the gums will grow and shape themselves in a natural way.
It is generally recognized that once an implant has been placed, maintaining diligent oral hygiene habits is required to ensure proper fusing of the implant and bone structure. Failure to floss and brush is a leading cause of implant failure, and infection can occur if the implant and surrounding areas are not cleaned. The process is completed when the temporary crown is replaced with a permanent crown.
If cared for properly, an implant restoration can remain in place for more than 40 years.
Not everyone is an candidate for dental implants or implant restoration and before you start planning on this as your ideal restoration solution, be sure to first consult with your dentist to learn more about whether or not dental implants are right for you.
