Dental implants are a permanent solution for missing teeth. Unlike dentures or bridges, dental implants fuse to the jawbone. This process is called osseointegration.
To qualify for dental implants, you must have good oral health and adequate bone mass. You must also be free of periodontal (gum) disease.
Your dentist will review your medical history before recommending surgery. He or she may recommend IV sedation or oral sedation to control pain during surgery.
Improved Oral Health
When you have gaps between teeth, food particles can hide in those crevices and promote bacteria growth. That bacteria can lead to gum disease or even bone deterioration. Dental implants eliminate those gaps, giving food particles fewer places to hide and helping you maintain your oral health.
Dental implants also help preserve facial structure by providing the support needed to keep bones healthy and strong. Without that support, the jawbone quickly deteriorates, creating fine lines and wrinkles and making your face look much older than you are. Dental implants preserve that structure, preventing this premature aging and keeping your face looking young and healthy.
Anyone healthy enough to undergo oral surgery can receive an implant. However, heavy smokers or patients with uncontrolled chronic diseases or who have received radiation therapy to the head/neck area may not be ideal candidates. These individuals may require a bone graft before receiving an implant. In some cases, the graft can be done during the same appointment as the implant placement.
Restored Chewing Ability
Dental implants replace your missing teeth so you can eat your favorite foods. In contrast, traditional dentures can limit your choice of food to soft, mushy dishes. You may not be able to enjoy chewy foods such as taffy or bagels, crunchy snacks, or even fresh vegetables and fruits.
Your gums are tender and swollen immediately after your surgery, so you’ll need to stick to soft or liquid foods until they heal. This might make you want to eat less, which can lead to temporary weight loss.
If your jawbone is too soft or thin to support dental implants, a bone graft can increase its strength and thickness. Several types of natural or synthetic bone graft materials are available.
If you’re missing one or more of your natural teeth, contact us to learn more about dental implant surgery. We will review your oral health, medical history and other factors to determine if this is a good solution for you. Our team, including an experienced oral surgeon and a dental hygienist, will create a comprehensive post-implant maintenance plan that fosters optimal outcomes.
Improved Self-Confidence
Missing teeth can have a significant impact on one’s self-confidence. People may hide their smiles or avoid social situations, which can affect their mood and lead to depression.
Dental implant surgery can help a person feel comfortable with their appearance again and boost their self-esteem. The implants resemble natural teeth in both appearance and function. Therefore, patients can regain their confidence in social situations or when eating with others.
To begin the procedure, a dentist or oral surgeon will examine your mouth to determine if your jaw bone is thick enough to hold an implant. If it is not, the surgeon will perform a bone graft to add more thickness. They may use natural bone or synthetic material to create the graft.
Once sufficient bone is present, the surgeon will add a titanium implant post – the equivalent of a tooth’s root – and a metal spacer called an abutment. The implant will then heal and osseointegrate with the jawbone, which can take a few months to complete.
Long-Lasting Solution
Replacing missing teeth with dental implants preserves bone and significantly reduces the deterioration of adjacent natural tooth tissue. Over time this results in a healthier and more stable jaw bone, which is critical to your overall oral health.
During the evaluation process, your dentist will review all medications and supplements you take to ensure they won’t interfere with healing or negatively affect the outcome of the surgery. In addition, you’ll need to give your dentist a complete medical history in order to determine if you have any conditions that would prevent you from safely having an implant procedure.
In the majority of cases, a bone graft will be needed to create a solid base for your implant. This will be done at the same time that a damaged tooth is extracted and may be made from synthetic or cadaver bone. During recovery, it is important to follow all instructions regarding dental hygiene and eating to promote proper healing.