All You Need To Know About Dental Implants

1. DENTAL IMPLANTS

2. A AL LL L Y YO OU U NE NEE ED D T TO O K KNO NOW W A AB BOUT OUT D DE ENT NTAL AL I IM MP PLAN LANT TS S Tooth loss is a sad and scary reality, and for those left feeling bereft after experiencing tooth decay or accidental tooth loss, it can have a high impact on their lives. Not only does tooth loss affect our ability to speak and eat as well as we might like but it can also have a severe impact on our self- confidence and personal appearance, for instance, the way we smile. Depending on the type of tooth loss one has suffered, whether it be one tooth knocked out in an overly feisty game of rugby, or several missing teeth from lifelong wear, the good news is you do not have to suffer a gap in your smile. With the addition of a dental implant or two, a dentist can not only fix your grin but will have you smiling from ear to ear. A dental implant consists of a prosthetic tooth embedded into the jawline via a titanium metal rod or screw. This is known as an abutment. This acts as a replacement for the natural root a tooth would usually have. Embedded into the jawbone, this allows a dental implant to act more like a natural tooth, offering better comfort than traditional dentures. Dental implants usually look exactly like a natural tooth and have a less visible difference between them and your real teeth then a set of partial dentures.

3. In some instances such as with facial impact where a tooth is knocked out completely and intact, it is possible to attach an implant rod to one's natural tooth and reinsert it back into the jawbone. However, this is not always possible, especially if the jaw refuses to knit. This type of procedure can only be done if a patient seeks immediate dental care after the accident, and of course if the tooth is in sound enough condition. Unlike bridges or partial dentures which are built around and fitted to any remaining natural teeth, a dental implant has its own support and does not need to rely on that of other teeth. This not only helps to protect any remaining teeth should you fall behind on your dentist visits but helps to support them in the same way your normal teeth would. One of the aspects patients of dental implants really like in comparison to dentures is that there are no adhesives or metal clasps with which to be concerned when you are getting ready in the morning. As the implants are screwed into the gum line and jaw there is little chance of food particles getting trapped under a plate between your pallet and causing you discomfort. Not only does this mean that a patient does not have to suffer the issues associated with wearing dentures but the implants have a much more important role.

4. Helping to maintain the health and strength of their jawbone, dental implants ensure there is no sagging face tissue and a patient will continue to have full use of their mouth. After all a healthy jawbone in maintained through the act of chewing and if teeth are left un-replaced for a long period of time, the jaw can deteriorate through the lack of pressure on the bone, leading to bone reabsorption, which in the first year alone can be as much as 25%! Aside from better bone health, easier cleaning and higher comfort; dental implants also have the added boon of being a cheaper alternative in the long term. Whilst the initial cost does not rival that of a patients first set of dentures, unlike bridges and full dentures, implants do not have to be replaced as frequently over time, meaning that they are the more cost-effective choice in the long run. Dental implantation is by no means cheap however, though the investment does come with many benefits. After your initial consultation, a dentist will be able to provide you with a tailored quotation as to the time and costs involved. This is necessary as each case is potentially different and one size does not fit all. Other advantages of having this treatment includes the longevity of the implants. Although they do not come with a 'lifetime' guarantee, with the average lifespan of these prosthetics lasting around twenty-five years with the proper care, they are certainly worth your consideration. Added to this that they allow for unhindered speech and eating, have no morning application process or adhesives, the inability to misplace them as they never leave your mouth and the fact they have a success rate of 90-95%!

5. Prior to having dental implants fitted a dentist will make sure that implants are right for you. Although they have several benefits over other types of prosthetics, they are not always the correct choice for some patients. In order to ensure that they are the right path to choose, a dentist will measure you for implants, check your remaining teeth, the health of the gum tissue into which the implants would be inserted, and most importantly the health and dentistry of the jaw bone. This will most likely be done via a CT scan and/or X-ray so as to get the most accurate picture. If however it is deemed that the jaw bone is unsuitable to place implants into then alternatives are available. It may be that the particular location of the desired insert is not strong enough and the insert may need to be placed off centre. For those patients without suitable bone density, aside from the option of dentures and bridges, there is also that of bone grafting. This method involves removing bone from another part of the patient's body (usually another area of the jaw but occasionally the hip or shin) and inserting it into the area required. This does affect the timeline form which you can have your inserts embedded as the bone will need time to fuse and strengthen to the jaw. If however, the idea of surgically removing bone doesn't appeal to you then you should speak to your dentist regarding artificial bone replacements. But it stands that the bone naturally occurring in a patients body is considered the best substitute.

6. Typically, having dental implants is not a one trip process and can, in fact, take anywhere from 3-9 months depending on the number of implants required and whether or not the patient needs a bone graft. In some cases, a dentist is able to provide full on the day care but these would usually be a temporary fix as impressions and molds are required in order to design the perfect fit for an individuals mouth, and then the false teeth need to be made. The procedure in which dental implants are inserted into the jaw bone has become very standard with modern medicine. In most cases, a dentist will perform the surgery with a very mild local anesthetic, though in some cases an anesthesia is necessary, and more nervous patients may be provided with a sedative if deemed appropriate. This not only ensures the patient's comfort but helps to aid the dentist in placing the teeth by keeping the patient still. As with all surgeries sometimes complications can occur, however, they are less likely in routine procedures such as dental implantation. However, the main problems one might encounters in this type of procedure, as with any dental surgery, include allergic reactions to the anesthetic, excessive bleeding from the gum line and if not treated with the correct after care, infection.

7. Some patients will experience mild discomfort for a few days after their surgery. This is completely normal and to be expected. Mild pain can be treated with over the counter painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, however, it is important to avoid drugs with a natural anticoagulant such as aspirin. If in any doubt always speak to your doctor or dentist. Once the implants are in place it is imperative that they are correctly maintained. Many people make the assumptions that once they have false teeth or dentures of any kind, that they are no longer required to brush them. However, this could not be further from the truth as dental implants require just as much care as natural teeth to maintain them and stop deterioration. Just as with regular teeth brushing is a key part of the maintenance process. Not only does brushing one's implants maintain their pearly white cleanliness but it prevents bacteria build up, one of the leading causes of bad breath. Flossing is also an essential part of this process. A dental hygienist will be able to advise on the most suitable products and methods for cleaning both your natural and prosthetic teeth.

8. Not only are regular checkup with a dentist important for your oral health in general but in particular, dentists would advise three monthly trips to check the state of dental implants. These check-ups with allow a dentist to make sure that the jaw bone is healing and knitting to the implants correctly, which in turn avoids loose teeth which may result in an inability to chew and even needing to have new implants fitted. Loose implants can have a big impact on the health of the jawline, not only in that they can be annoying and uncomfortable, but that they will be un-supportive to surrounding teeth. Of course, accidents happen, and just as with our natural teeth, a dental implant can be broken due to high facial impact, such as can be suffered in contact sports. Whilst it is always advisable to seek dental aid should you partake on any activity that has a higher than normal chance of causing trauma to the face, it is important to protect your implants from damage just as much as your regular teeth. A dentist can help with this by fitting you with a mouth guard which will alleviate some of the impacts. Not only does this help to prevent damage to the implants but it will also offer the best support and protection for your natural teeth as well. However, if the worst should happen, your dentist can replace a broken or damaged tooth without having to remove the implant itself. Having said that, if the implant is damaged beyond repair then the titanium rods are perfectly safe to leave inserted in the jaw without risk to the patient, should they prove too detrimental to remove. In these cases, a dentist will simply refit a patient with an implant, with the supportive rod inserted alongside the former.

9. It is also good to be aware of personal habits that can prevent you from maintaining a healthy, gorgeous smile. Whilst we are all often reminded of the dangers of eating to much sugar and drinking fizzy drinks, we often forget to think about things such as chewing pens, biting tape and even more threatening to your teeth – removing beer bottle caps. Smoking is also a big risk to the longevity of dental implants and natural teeth alike, causing staining and even periodontal (gum disease). Whilst these are all good things to avoid doing in order to maintain your canines, it is also important to be aware of bruxism or teeth grinding. Often occurring in a patients sleep or when they are in particular moments of high stress, grinding one's teeth can be just as damaging to your dental implants as the enamel on your real teeth. It is important to speak to a dentist regarding this issue, especially if you are having dental implants put in. Not only will a dentist be able to fit you with a mouth guard to prevent grinding damage when you are unconscious of this behaviour but in some cases, they can use a strengthened prosthetic or adhere additional abutments to help strengthen and support your implants. As with any dental treatment or issue with the mouth, it is always important to speak with a dentist as soon as possible. For further information, help, and advice with regards to dental implants or any other tooth replacement contact your local dental practice. To learn more, please visit: https://www.artofdentistry.com/blog/