Dental Implants – What Are They?
Dental implants are the most important technological advancement ever made in the field of dentistry. When it comes to tooth loss, implants are considered by dentists as the “gold standard”. Before their development, the only replacement options for missing teeth were dental bridges or dentures.
Both the replacement options resulted in hampering healthy teeth (for bridges) and bone loss (in cases of dentures). With implants, patients don’t have to experience either side effect, making them the perfect option for tooth replacement.
Who Can Get Dental Implants?
Whether or not a patient can get dental implants depends on the following factors –
- The site of the missing tooth/teeth
- The quality and quantity of the jawbone where the implant has to be fitted
- The general health of the patient
- The patient’s budget
- The patient’s preference
Generally, a person who is healthy enough to undergo a surgical procedure is fit to get an implant. Additionally, they should also have healthy gums and a healthy and ample quantity of jaw bone to support the implant. Furthermore, they should be committed to proper oral hygiene and care.
Chain smokers, people with debilitating medical conditions, or patients who have undergone radiotherapy are advised against implants. Medical conditions include chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, etc.
To figure out whether you or a family member is a good candidate for an implant, visit River Rock Dental Downtown Shakopee at your earliest convenience.
What Are The Major Types Of Dental Implants Available?
Before we talk about the major types of dental implants, we must talk about the different parts of an implant.
The main part of an implant is the implant post. This is the part that is placed surgically into the jaw bone. The dentist at River Rock will perform this procedure under local or general anesthesia. A cut is made at the surgical site and the bone is exposed. Space is created using a surgical drill and the implant post is screwed into place. The gum is stitched back into position and the patient is sent home to heal.
The abutment is what attaches the post to the tooth replacement. It is placed over the gum line.
The final part is the tooth replacement. This is what replaces the missing tooth in the oral cavity. It could be a crown, a bridge, or a denture.
Types of Dental Implants Based On Post Location
There are two types of implants based on where the post is placed –
- Endosteal implants are “in the bone”.
- Subperiosteal implants are placed on the bone just underneath the gum tissue. This isn’t popular because of high failure rates.
Types of Dental Implants Based On Number Of Teeth Missing
- A single implant replaces one missing tooth. The procedure is pretty straightforward.
- Implant-supported bridges are used if a person has multiple missing teeth. Individual implants are placed at the desired location and topped off with a bridge framework.
- For people with edentulous mouths, i.e., missing all of their teeth, implant-supported dentures are a fantastic option.
What Are The Benefits Of Dental Implants?
Boost In Self-Esteem
Tooth loss has adverse effects on a person’s self-confidence and self-esteem. People tend to feel embarrassed if they have one or more missing teeth. When the lost tooth is replaced, it does wonders for a person’s confidence. They feel much better about themselves since they look better.
Functions Like A Normal Tooth
Owing to the osseointegration – the fusion between the implant and the jaw bone – the former mimics a natural tooth root. The fusion also offers stability to the prosthesis, making it much easier to function like a normal tooth.
Durable
Implants are very durable and with proper care, can last a lifetime.
No Embarrassing Moments
Unlike dentures which tend to slip and move around in the mouth, implants are very stable. Patients with implants avoid the embarrassment that comes with eating and speaking with dentures.
Liberty To Eat
Because a successful implant is incredibly stable, patients don’t have to pick and choose between what foods to eat. They can enjoy all of their favorite edibles without any worry.
Improved Facial Structures
Since the implant is based within the jaw bone, it provides constant stimulus to it. This prevents the jaw bone from degenerating (bone loss). Facial structures and the overall facial tone are improved with the use of dental implants.
Are Dental Implants Safe In The Long Run?
Dental implants are very safe solutions for missing teeth. Like any surgical procedure, implants do carry a certain amount of risk. However, the benefits outweigh the risks by a mile.
It must be noted that for implants to be fitted properly, the procedure must be performed by a trained professional. Implants are also the sole restoration that not only stimulates bone growth but also preserves the natural bone.
When done properly, implants have a fantastic success rate – about 98%!
How To Care For Dental Implants?
Although dental implants are a costly investment, they require basic care. To ensure that they last a lifetime, patients are recommended to follow proper oral hygiene practices. These include –
- Brushing morning and evening every day.
- Flossing at least once a day to prevent any food from lodging between the teeth and causing gum disease. Gum disease can lead to failure of the implant.
- Visiting their dentist regularly, i.e., every six months. During these routine evaluations, their dentist will make sure that the implant is progressing well.
- Avoiding smoking since this particular behavior can lead to implant failure.
Simply following these basic instructions allows the implant to maintain a long life without any problems.
At River Rock Dental Downtown Shakopee, Doctors Todd Christianson, Andrew Backes, and Nathan Hanson hold multiple years of experience in dentistry. With their fantastic clinical skills combined with state-of-the-art infrastructure, River Rock DDS is the perfect place for you if you’re looking to get implants.
For any information on dental implants, the procedure, and the cost, get in touch with our team at (952) 445-5556.
