Your teeth are important for your oral and overall health. Unfortunately, sometimes no matter how well you take care of them, they fail you. There are many reasons that you may lose teeth. The good news is, there are lots of options for tooth replacement.
Dental implants are one of the most popular options because they look, feel, and function like natural teeth.
There are several different types of dental implants:
The process for getting dental implants is extensive and can take up to a year or more, depending on a variety of factors.
The first step in any procedure is the consultation/evaluation. During this visit, the dentist will perform a comprehensive exam, including X-rays and other necessary imaging. In addition, your oral and overall health history and habits will be discussed.
The information from the consultation/evaluation will be used to create your custom treatment plan. If you need any prep procedures such as gum disease treatment, extractions, bone grafting, or others, those will be scheduled first.
Implant placement typically takes several hours, depending on the number of implants being placed. There are two types of implants: endosteal and subperiosteal. Endosteal implants are placed in the jawbone, which requires an incision in the gum and a hole in the jawbone. Subperiosteal implants sit above the jawbone, which requires only an incision in the gum. Once the implants are in place, the incision will be closed.
Depending on your condition and the type of restoration you are getting, a temporary prosthesis may be placed on the same day as the implants.
Over the next 3 to 6 months, your jawbone will be healing around and fusing with the implants. This process is known as osseointegration. You will need to stick to a soft food diet and be careful when cleaning around the implants to avoid causing them to shift.
Once osseointegration has taken place, you will return to the dentist for the placement of your permanent restoration.
There are several advantages/benefits of dental implants over other tooth restoration options:
Dental implants look, feel, and function like natural teeth, which will improve your appearance and confidence.
When you are missing teeth, tasks like eating and speaking can be challenging, but dental implants are a stable solution that restores functionality in these areas.
Research has shown that dental implants have a 90% to 95% long-term success rate compared to other solutions.
Since implants are inserted into the jawbone, they preserve jawbone health by providing the stimulation lost by missing teeth.
According to the American Dental Association, dental implants are safe and effective for nearly everyone. Still, there are some things to be aware of when it comes to your eligibility:
Several factors impact your suitability for dental implants. The following factors may disqualify you:
Adequate bone density is critical to support dental implants. Some jawbone deterioration is acceptable and, in some cases, a bone graft can be done to restore some jawbone loss. However, significant jawbone deterioration may disqualify you from dental implants.
While there is no upper age limit for dental implants, this restoration option is not recommended for patients under the age of 18.
If you’ve decided that you want to move forward with dental implant treatment, there are a few things to be aware of:
Your dentist will provide you with specific pre-procedure guidelines/instructions. You will need to follow these carefully to ensure the best outcome for your procedure.
Always maintain an open line of communication with your dental team. If you have any questions/concerns or complications, let them know. Your dentist and team want to help ensure your success with this procedure.
If you are missing one or more teeth and considering your tooth replacement options, schedule your consultation today at Fresno, CA with Shahbazyan DDS. Your dentist will be able to work with you to determine your condition and which tooth replacement solution is right for you. Most people qualify for implants, but this is determined on a case-by-case basis.
If you have any questions or concerns about dental implants or other restorations, your dentist can help. Below are some common questions about dental implants.
Immediately after dental implant placement, you’ll want to avoid foods that are tough, hard/crunchy, or chewy. However, once you heal, you should be able to eat anything you like.
When you have implants, you will want to take care of them. This includes:
Yes, it is possible to experience problems and ultimately implant failure years after having them placed. This may be due to nerve damage, injury to the implant site, protrusion into the sinus cavity, improper oral hygiene, or foreign body rejection.
The risk of dental implant infection is low if you work with an experienced dentist and take proper care of your implants. Dental implants have a 90% to 95% long-term success rate.
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