Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of biocompatible materials like titanium, which are surgically implanted into the jaw to support crowns, bridges, or dentures. Losing a tooth can have several complications, including rapid bone loss, difficulty speaking, or discomfort chewing food. Replacing a lost tooth with a dental implant can be the solution to all of these problems. They are among the most important prosthetic procedures for replacing missing teeth.
What are Dental Implants?
A dental implant body, dental implant abutment, abutment fixation screw, and a crown comprise a dental implant system.
A dental implant body is surgically fixed to the jawbone and then a dental implant abutment is attached to the implant body using an abutment fixation screw. Finally, the artificial tooth is attached on top of the dental implant abutment that extends through the gums into the mouth.
Through dental implant treatment, you can return to the old chewing pattern and preserve the health of the surrounding bone and gums, improving the quality of your life. Additionally, implants are highly durable and can last a lifetime with proper care, making them a cost-effective long-term solution compared to other methods.
8 Benefits of Dental Implants
Natural look and feel
Dental implants are like the artificial roots of a tooth. The doctor places a dental crown on top of the implant that looks like a natural tooth. These make you feel more comfortable compared to other treatments such as dentures.
Improved chewing and eating ability
Dental implants provide stability and strength to the attached crown, allowing you to chew comfortably. They give you the ability to chew hard food, which may be difficult with dentures.
Prevents bone loss
Bone loss can happen after you lose a tooth. The jawbone in the area of the lost tooth stops getting stressed. As a result, your body starts to break down and reabsorb bone tissue.
Long-lasting and durable
Dental implants last longer than dentures and bridges and have a high success rate. They can last more than 15 years with proper care.
Maintaining facial structure
Jawbone loss after losing a tooth can change the shape of your face. It may lead to a sunken appearance along with collapsed cheeks and bite misalignment. These facial changes can easily be noticed and affect your confidence.
No impact on the surrounding teeth
When you lose a tooth, the surrounding teeth can move towards the gap and cause bite misalignment. Through a dental implant, you can fill the gap caused by the missing tooth and prevent the surrounding teeth from moving.
Boosts confidence and self-esteem
Dental implants can improve not just your oral health but your overall confidence. After a dental implant, you don’t need to be self-conscious about the gap created by missing teeth. You can smile freely and face the world with confidence.
Easy maintenance
Dental implants can be maintained easily, without special adhesives or cleaning routines. They can fit smoothly into your daily routine and with proper care, they can last longer.
Are Dental Implants Right for You?
Dental implants are the best choice for replacing a missing tooth and thereby correcting issues like misalignment of teeth, incorrect jaw structure, and improper bites. But there are certain factors to consider before choosing them.
Age: Dental implants are recommended for those whose jaw bones are fully developed.
Oral health: Healthy gums and good oral hygiene are essential for dental implants.
Bone density: Good jawbone density is required to support dental implants. You can consider treatments like bone grafting if bone loss is a problem.
The benefits of dental implants are many and they are a better option than bridges and dentures. They look more natural, last longer, and require less maintenance. This can solve various problems like an improper bite, a misaligned jaw structure, etc. However, dental implants are usually more expensive than other methods. Various conditions such as diabetes, blood clotting disorders, smoking habits, metabolic bone disease, and ongoing cancer treatment affect dental implants. If you suffer from any dental problems, consult a dentist for a personalized evaluation.
