Dental implants have emerged as the standard for replacing missing teeth in general dentistry. These artificial teeth roots can last a lifetime once placed in the jaw. About 5 million new implants are placed each year.
Implants can be used to restore front teeth and any other type of teeth. Implants installed in the front of the mouth are less likely to fail after installation, since the front teeth deal with smaller bite forces than the teeth at the back of the mouth.
Replacing front teeth with implants is not different from replacing molars at the back of the mouth. The process starts with the dentist evaluating the patient to determine if implants are ideal for them. Placing implants requires oral surgery, which comes with risks like pain, inflammation, and infection. Ideal candidates for dental implants should be healthy enough to recover from surgical treatments.
Health issues like immune system deficiencies or dental problems like periodontal disease increase the risk of complications. Patients are carefully screened for such issues before being cleared for implants. Having a health issue that hinders the healing process does not automatically disqualify a patient, however. Each person is evaluated individually to determine if their health condition poses a significant risk to their recovery.
The thickness of the patient’s jaw is also evaluated when determining their eligibility for implants. Bone grafts might be recommended if the dentist finds that the patient’s jawbone is not thick enough for implants.
The patient’s lifestyle habits are also discussed during the consultation. Smoking, drinking, or using illicit drugs slows down recovery, so patients should be willing to give up such habits leading up to and right after the placement of their implants.
The surgical placement of implants starts with the dentist injecting the patient with a local anesthetic. This dulls the area being worked on so the patient does not feel pain. An incision is made into gum tissues to reach the jawbone.
A hole is made using a dental drill, and the implant is placed in the hole. Bone tissues surrounding the implant hold it in place while it fuses with the bone over the next six months. This development is known as osseointegration, and it makes implants almost as stable as natural teeth.
The patient comes in for the second part of the treatment when osteointegration is complete. A crown or another restoration is attached to the implant to complete the treatment. The look and function of the lost tooth should be fully restored at this point. The patient is also cleared to return to their regular diet.
Let us take a look at the answers to some of the questions you might still have regarding dental implants:
The ideal candidate for implants has decent overall health. They do not have general or dental health issues like immune system disorders or gum disease. Installing implants often requires making incisions into gum tissues, so the patient's ability to recover after the procedure is evaluated before clearing them. The thickness of the patient's jawbone is also evaluated since it needs to be wide enough to keep implants in place. Bone grafts are usually recommended if a patient does not have the jawbone thickness needed for implants. Lifestyle choices like smoking, drinking, or illicit drug use can also hinder a person's ability to recover.
Implants are typically made out of titanium, one of the world's strongest metals. Titanium is biocompatible, so most people do not have an adverse reaction to it. Implants can also be made out of zirconium.
That is one of the best things about implants; they do not need any special maintenance. Simply brushing and flossing like you have always done is enough to keep these oral prosthetics in good condition. Add regular visits to a dentist to ensure any issue that develops is detected and addressed early on.
Replacing a missing tooth with an implant can take up to six months. That is how long it takes for the implant to fuse with the jawbone, making it stable enough to serve as a base for a restoration.
Losing a tooth is never a fun experience, but with dental implants, you can get an artificial tooth that looks and feels natural. Give us a call or stop by our Encino clinic to set up an appointment with our dentist.
Request an appointment here: https://www.encinodentalassociates.com or call Encino Cosmetic & Dental Implants at 8185782333 for an appointment in our Encino office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Implants in Encino, CA.
Do you need a dental implant? Read on to learn more about this type of dental restoration. Removable partial dentures and a fixed dental bridge not supported by implants are not considered permanent restorations. However, a dental implant restoration is considered permanent, as it essentially uses the same structure as a natural tooth.The benefits of…
Tooth loss is a significant dental issue that affects millions of people worldwide, leading to challenges in eating, speaking, and maintaining oral hygiene. Beyond the immediate impact on daily life, untreated tooth loss can result in serious long-term consequences such as bone loss, shifting of remaining teeth, and changes in facial structure. These issues highlight…
Dental implant surgery can bring back your stunning smile. Tooth loss makes eating, speaking, and even smiling difficult. It affects a person’s self-esteem. Getting implants can make you feel good about yourself again. Here are the details on how a dental implant can help you smile confidently again.People who use removable restorations often complain about…
If someone is missing teeth, one of the options for replacing them is dental implants. According to the CDC, one in five adults over 65 have severe tooth loss. Tooth loss may occur due to untreated cavities, gingivitis, and oral trauma. There are numerous benefits to getting implants, although it is not necessarily an option…
An implant dentist can provide a natural-looking and durable alternative to traditional tooth-replacement methods with…
A denture repair should be your top priority when your denture breaks or becomes damaged.
Dental implants are durable, natural-looking replacements for missing teeth. An implant dentist may recommend a…
If you have lost one or more of your teeth, talking to an implant dentist…
Not every patient requires a bone graft procedure before tooth replacement from an implant dentist,…
Implant dentists provide a teeth replacement option that closely resembles natural teeth. Whether a patient…
