Tooth loss remains a common problem in the United States despite the many advancements in dental care. Anyone can lose their teeth due to tooth decay, periodontitis, or an injury. Missing one or several teeth alters your appearance, which may be a blow to your self-esteem. The good news is that implants Summit provides a solid foundation for artificial teeth. Your oral health professional may recommend dental implants when a lack of natural teeth roots prevents you from getting dentures or bridgework.
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What are dental implants?
Dental implants are screw-like posts made from titanium metal or zirconia that oral health professionals use to offer a solid foundation for artificial teeth that look and function like your real ones. With dental implants, patients require surgery for the implant to be embedded in the jawbone. The bone heals around the implant over at least six months, ensuring the implant is firmly secured. Although dental implants are an excellent tooth replacement option, not everyone is usually eligible for implants.
Benefits of dental implants
Dental implants are known for their strength and stability since they become part of you over time. They are also permanent, so you don’t have to deal with the inconvenience of removing them often. Unlike other tooth replacement options, dental implants restore jawbone stimulation, which is essential in preventing bone loss.
Who is eligible for dental implants?
In most cases, anyone healthy enough to undergo routine dental extraction or oral surgery can be considered for dental implants. But an individual needs to have healthy gums and teeth, meaning problems like gum disease and tooth decay require treatment before you can get dental implants. You also need to have adequate bone mass, but procedures like bone grafting have made it possible for people with little bone mass to undergo dental implant surgery.
Suitable candidates should be committed to good oral hygiene and the lengthy treatment process. Your dentist may caution against dental implants if you are a heavy smoker. Smoking constricts your blood vessels, limiting oxygen and nutrient supply in the incision sites; this puts you at risk of slow-healing wounds. You may also not be eligible for dental implants if you have health problems like uncontrolled diabetes or heart disease. It is essential to discuss with your dentist if you are considering dental implants to establish if they are an option for you.
How safe are dental implants?
Dental implant placement requires surgery; like any other surgical procedure, this procedure poses several risks. However, problems hardly occur; when they do, they are minor and easily treated. Some of the dangers of dental implants include:
- Infection. You may develop an infection at the implant site when bacteria enter the wound.
- Surrounding structures like teeth and blood vessels may get damaged or injured during surgery.
- Nerve damage. Due to nerve damage, you may experience pain, numbness, and tingling in your chin, gums, and lips.
- Sinus problems. There is the risk of an implant protruding into one of your sinus cavities. This is especially true if the implant is placed in your upper jaw.
If you have one or more missing teeth, consult your oral health professional at Dental Studios for dental implants to restore the integrity of your smile.