A bright, healthy smile is one of the first things we notice about people. For individuals who have a not so perfect set of teeth, there have been so many incredible advancements in dentistry recently that it is possible to replace misaligned or missing teeth with prosthetic teeth that look completely natural. One such contemporary invention is the dental implant. Dental implants are a state of the art treatment when it comes to teeth replacement. They are now being chosen over most other teeth replacement options because they provide a long-lasting alternative to dental bridges or dentures. Before we walk you through the process of getting a dental implant, let us learn a bit more about what they are and how will they benefit you.
What are dental implants?
To describe it in a simple way, a dental implant is a screw-like device that is fastened into the jaw in place of a missing tooth. It provides a solid foundation base for mounting an artificial tooth or a larger dental prosthesis.
How do dental implants work?
Dental implants act as a faux root. Most dental implants are made of titanium, a metal that can fuse with living bone eventually and form the foundation. Most dental implant procedures are performed on an outpatient basis. They comprise of the following steps:
Preparation of the jaw bone
This is the first step for teeth replacement. If you have experienced tooth loss recently, there will already be a space for placing the dental implant. The jawbone will be properly evaluated. It should be firm and should have a specific thickness. If required, a bone graft might be placed to increase the thickness.
Placement of the dental implant
A dental drill is used to place the implant deep into the jawbone, in the missing tooth’s space. This will serve as a root for the artificial tooth to be mounted.
Bone integration
As we mentioned earlier, the dental implant is made of a substance that fuses with the natural bone. The duration of this process varies from person to person, but it usually takes place between 3 to 9 months. A temporary crown can be placed for teeth replacement during this period. After the bone has integrated with the implant, it is then ready for the permanent artificial tooth.
Placement of abutment
An abutment is a supporting structure on which the permanent crown is to be placed. Once the bone has integrated with the implant, the abutment is placed, and the gum tissue is closed around it.
Addition of the permanent crown
After a few weeks, when your gums have healed, the final crown is ready to be placed on the abutment.
Pros of dental implants
Most people are opting for dental implants because they are a permanent solution to replacing missing teeth. They also offer an array of other advantages, such as:
- Dental implants are versatile and can retain bridges, partial dentures, and even full dentures. Dentists can base the complete rehabilitation of your mouth on implants because they can support a wide variety of dental prostheses.
- Dental implants are comfortable and surpass the need for most dietary restrictions. After being integrated successfully, dental implants mimic the functions of a normal tooth, giving you the freedom to eat your favorite foods. They are quite stable as the bone grows around the implant, simulating natural tooth roots.
- Once there is a space in the bone caused by missing teeth, the body tends to resorb the bone in this area, giving it a caved-in appearance. Dental implants prevent this bone loss, helping it heal and maintain its proper shape and form.
- If a complete denture is placed supported by dental implants, it helps maintain the proper shape and length of the face, which would otherwise be lost due to missing teeth.
- Any type of tooth loss might cause changes and problems in speech. Dental implants help restore proper speech with ease without hampering the pronunciation of any words.
- As they are fused with the bone, dental implants allow you to bite into foods with more or less the same amount of strength as of natural teeth.
- Dental implants are easy to clean and do not require any extra effort to maintain. The beauty of dental implants is such that they are almost like natural teeth, even more, durable because they can’t get any tooth decay or cavities on them.
- They come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes and can be personalized for an individual patient’s needs.
In conclusion
Dental implants help maintain overall dental health and will restore your confidence to flaunt a full smile. Dental Implants in Markham are talked about a lot because they offer a long term solution to the problem of teeth replacement. Of course, there are many things to be taken into consideration; you should consult with your dentist and weigh all your options before deciding to opt for any treatment. To get more information about dental implants in Markham and find out if you are the right candidate for it, schedule an appointment with our Markham dentist at Bur Oak Dental.