Gum disease is a common dental issue that, if left untreated, can lead to bone destruction. It is considered to be a leading cause of tooth loss. Missing teeth can have several debilitating effects on your oral health and general physical health as well.
Our dental specialists at the dental office in Drexel Hill are well-trained and equipped to diagnose the causes of tooth loss and provide effective tooth replacement solutions through dental implants.
An introduction to dental implants
Dental implants are permanent restorations embedded into your jawbone to provide anchorage and a suitable foundation for dental crowns. These are titanium screws that mimic your tooth roots. Titanium alloys are excellent biocompatible materials that, when inserted into the jawbone, fuse together through a process called osseointegration.
Why go for dental implants?
Dental implants are often recommended to stimulate your jaws, prevent bone resorption, and prepare your facial muscles and appearance.
These are also indicated when partial or fixed dentures are not possible owing to the loss of teeth posterior to the missing tooth. Since dentures require support on either side of the missing tooth.
Benefits of dental implants
Dental implants are popular replacements for missing teeth due to the following merits:
- Provide permanent solution to missing teeth
- Mimic natural teeth
- Improve speech and masticatory functions
- Provide a strong and stable foundation for dental crowns
- These are fixed prostheses
- Improves your overall appearance and self-confidence
- Prevents alveolar bone resorption
- Preserves your adjacent natural teeth
- Implants are durable with proper oral care and can even last for 10 to 15 years
- It is a cost-effective solution
The process of getting dental implants
Your dentist will initially evaluate your mouth and the remaining teeth. They will also assess your jawbone health to determine if you are a suitable candidate for implants.
The procedure is as follows:
- You will be given anesthesia to numb the area around the missing tooth/teeth
- Your dentist will make an incision or cut on the gums to expose the underlying jawbone. Holes will be drilled with rotary instruments, and the implant post will be inserted
- Finally, your gum flap will be closed using sutures.
Dental implants usually require minimal post-care, which includes the following:
- Brush your teeth twice daily
- Floss regularly
- Avoid chewing anything hard, especially a few weeks after you get your implant
- Get a professional dental cleaning at least once every 6 months
Summary
Dental implants are effective prostheses that are permanently fixed to your jawbone to replace missing teeth. These have a high success rate when compared to other restorations like bridges or dentures. Also, implants provide long-term benefits that improve your quality of oral health and well-being.
