Dental implants are a restorative dental procedure that offers a permanent and natural-looking solution for missing or damaged teeth.
They replace the tooth root and provide a stable foundation for artificial teeth. If you’ve had a tooth extracted, a dental implant is one replacement option.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are small titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone. These posts act as anchors for replacement teeth, such as crowns, bridges, or dentures. Once the implant is securely in place, a prosthetic tooth can be attached, completing the restoration process.
The implant itself is made of biocompatible material (titanium) that fuses with the natural bone in your jaw to create a strong, sturdy base. This process is called osseointegration.
Advantages of Dental Implants
Dental implants have several advantages over other tooth replacement options.
Preservation of Jawbone
Losing teeth can lead to bone loss in the jaw, which can cause facial sagging and changes in your appearance. The titanium posts stimulate bone growth, helping prevent bone resorption.
Durability
Dental implants are designed to last a lifetime with proper care, making them a long-term investment in oral health.
Natural Appearance & Function
Implants are designed to match your natural teeth and provide a more aesthetically pleasing and comfortable option. They also function like natural teeth, allowing you to eat and speak more naturally.
Preservation of Surrounding Teeth
Dental implants do not rely on adjacent teeth for support, meaning the surrounding healthy teeth are better preserved.
Improved Oral Health
Aside from helping prevent bone loss and preserve the structure of your jawbone, dental implants are also cleaned and maintained like your other teeth, making them a great option for overall oral healthcare.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Not everyone is a candidate for dental implants. Here are some criteria that determine eligibility.
Good Oral Health
Candidates should have healthy gums and no untreated decay or gum disease. Good oral hygiene is crucial for the success of dental implants.
Sufficient Bone Density
Patients need a certain level of jawbone density for dental implants to be effective. The jawbone is the foundation of the dental implant, and without enough bone to support it, installing a dental implant is like building a fence in a swamp.
In all cases where a patient needs a dental implant, we recommend a bone graft to ensure that your jawbone can hold the implant securely.
Overall Health
Candidates should be in good overall health. Conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or heart disease can affect healing and increase the risk of complications.
Non-Smokers
Smoking can impair the healing process and increase the risk of implant failure. Non-smokers or those willing to quit have a better chance of success.
The Dental Implant Process
The dental implant process typically involves several stages:
- Consultation: Your dentist will evaluate your oral health and determine if you are a suitable candidate for dental implants.
- Surgery: The implant is surgically placed into the jawbone. This procedure may require local anesthesia or sedation.
- Healing: The implant must heal and integrate with the jawbone, which can take several months.
- Abutment placement: An abutment, which connects the implant to the prosthetic tooth, is placed on top of the implant.
- Restoration: The final prosthetic tooth (crown, bridge, or denture) is attached to the abutment.
- Follow-up: We will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your healing process and make any necessary adjustments.
Everyone’s situation is different, so this process may look different for you. Our team will be here every step of the way to help support your comfort and outcome.
Aftercare & Maintenance
Regular Dental Check-ups
Regular dental check-ups and cleanings help maintain the health and longevity of your dental implants. We’ll monitor the condition of your implants, gums, and surrounding tissues, looking for signs of potential early issues to help prevent more serious problems.
Proper Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene is crucial for the success of dental implants. Here are some tips:
- Brush your teeth twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss daily to help remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth and around your implants.
- Use mouthwash to help kill bacteria and freshen your breath. We can recommend a suitable mouthwash for you.
- Avoid using abrasive products, like harsh toothpaste, which can damage the soft tissues around your implants.
Avoid Harmful Habits
Certain habits can damage your dental implants. It’s important to avoid:
- Smoking: Smoking can impair healing and increase the risk of implant failure.
- Excessive alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol use can irritate the gums and contribute to gum disease.
- Biting on hard objects: Biting on hard objects can damage the artificial tooth attached to your implants.
- Grinding your teeth: Teeth grinding can put stress on your implants and surrounding teeth.
Explore Dental Implants with Elevate Dental
Receiving dental implants is a significant decision that can impact your oral health and quality of life. With the proper care and maintenance, dental implants can last a lifetime.
At Elevate Dental, we’re here to help elevate your smile. It’s in our name, after all! If you have any questions or want to explore your options, we’re happy to provide the information you need to make the best choice for your dental health. Call us today to book an appointment.
