Dental implants are an increasingly common restorative and cosmetic procedure, and one of the strong options you can consider when you lose a tooth. There may be many factors at work in any individual case that make one option more attractive than the others, but for many people, dental implants provide the right natural look that is durable and relatively carefree. Here’s a look at some important points about dental implants.
1. The procedure, in most cases, is entirely routine, and is only minimally invasive. You should experience little discomfort afterwards, and heal well. For most patients, it is a two-step procedure where a titanium rod is first implanted in the jawbone. In the second step, six months later, a prosthetic is custom made and fitted to the rod. In more complicated cases, where there may be existing bone loss, for example, the process can involve several steps over a period of several months.
2. The dental implant is supported by a titanium rod that is bonded directly to the jawbone, creating a firm, stable, and lasting bond that replaces the lost tooth root. That means you can chew and speak naturally and with confidence. The success rate of dental implants is reported to be over 95%, meaning it is a solution that overwhelmingly works for the right candidates.
3. Once the titanium rod is implanted into the jaw, the bone grows around it and fuses with the rod through a process called Osseo-integration. The success of the procedure usually depends on the health and strength of the jawbone. In some cases, where the bone is already weak, grafts can work to strengthen it.
4. A dental implant can replace one tooth, or be used as a stable foundation for permanent dentures, bridges, or crowns. They will be made to match your natural teeth in shade and colour, so that the look is entirely natural.
5. Unlike other options, which can cause changes to the outward appearance of your jawline and face, dental implants help you to keep a natural look. Dental implants can even support an entire arch of upper or lower teeth.
6. Dental implants can be used with traditional dentures, helping to overcome some of dentures’ shortcomings. Titanium rods support removable dentures that can be cleaned, and do not slip. This procedure helps to preserve the underlying bone, and alleviates the problem of added pressure that dentures usually pose.
7. Dental implants typically last longer than either dentures or bridges. When a tooth is lost, the surrounding bone and gums degenerate. A dental implant helps to prevent bone deterioration and receding gums. That stability keeps the implant firmly in place, in most cases, permanently. Dentures and bridges, in contrast, most often need to be refitted over time as the bone and gums deteriorate.
8. While the initial cost is greater than the other options, the stable and long lasting nature of dental implants means that there is little in the way of maintenance or additional costs over time. The same is not true of other tooth replacement options. After care of dental implants is the same as with natural teeth – brush, floss, and get them professionally cleaned regularly.
Only your dentist can tell you if you are a good candidate for a dental implant procedure after a thorough dental examination. If you are looking for advice on dental implants, tooth replacement options, or any aspect of dental health or dental hygiene, your dentist is the right person to ask. You’ll find the answer at Dr. F. Keshavarz Dentistry in Brampton, ON.
If you’re looking for a well-regarded and highly skilled dentist in the Brampton area, make an appointment with Dr. F. Keshavarz Dentistry by calling (905)-791-3867. Visit our website to learn more about our dental services.
