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Unfortunately, the human body can’t regenerate lost teeth. The good news is, dental implants are an effective method for replacing missing or damaged teeth. Dentists use metal screws to replace tooth roots, allowing the surrounding bone to fuse with the implant.
These artificial insertions integrate well with your jawbone and provide a longer-lasting teeth loss solution than dentures or bridgework replacements. Here are four facts about dental implants that make them a valuable long-term option for many patients.
1. Dental Implants Have Many Benefits
Teeth replacement technologies usually revolve around dentures or bridgework. These options provide treatment flexibility, but they don’t give as much support as an actual tooth, since there is no solid attachment to the jawbone. Hence, these devices can slip or create noise during jaw movements like chewing or speaking. That can be awkward and discourage patients from trying out hard or chewy foods or make them feel self-conscious when speaking.
Here are the benefits of dental implants:
Support And Stability
Dental implants solve the instability problem by directly attaching to the jawbone. The implant simulates a tooth root and provides support for the abutment. In turn, the abutment allows a crown to be attached, completing the artificial tooth.
Similarity To Natural Teeth
After surgery, bone tissue gradually grows around the dental implant root, securing the entire artificial tooth. Dental implants don’t slip and can transmit significant forces during chewing, making them harder to distinguish from regular teeth.
Low Risk Of Speech Interference
Dental implants fit securely in your mouth compared to dentures. That makes them less likely to interfere with your speech.
Dental implants are best for patients with enough healthy jawbone to support the implant. You must also be free of health conditions that impact bone recovery. Lastly, avoid vices that can slow down healing, like smoking.
2. Dental Implant Placement Is A Short Procedure
Installing a dental implant consists of short outpatient procedures spread out over a few months.
Preparing The Implant Site
The first few sessions involve preparing the implant site by removing damaged teeth. In most cases, installation can proceed immediately after tooth removal.
To place the dental implant, the oral surgeon creates an incision in the gums to expose the jawbone. They will use a drill to make a hole for the implant. Your surgeon may place a temporary denture to hide the implant root.
Installing The Abutment
It may take months after the first procedure for the jawbone to completely heal around the dental implant root. Once the bone remodeling is complete, your provider will install the abutment.
This step is a minor procedure involving local anesthesia, since the surgeon will create an incision into the gum tissue.
Choosing Artificial Teeth
Finally, you can choose the type of artificial teeth you want in terms of color, size, and material. Patients can also choose either removable or fixed artificial teeth. Your dentist will make impressions of your mouth and create the crown design for the artificial teeth.
3. You May Need Additional Procedures For Better Results
The jawbone alone sometimes can’t provide enough support for the dental implant. In these cases, you may need a bone graft to stabilize the implant site.
Your oral surgeon may use bone graft from another bone in your body. Alternatively, they may opt for a synthetic one to substitute for natural bone.
Your doctor can perform minor grafts in the same procedure as the placement of the dental implant root. For larger grafts, you will need a separate session for the grafting. The dental implant surgery will proceed once the graft has fully integrated into the jawbone.
In rare cases, the implant may fail to attach to the jawbone. If that happens, you’ll have an outpatient procedure to remove the implant and clean the insertion site. You may try again after three months.
4. Good Oral Hygiene Help Dental Implants Last Longer
Dental implants are biocompatible synthetic materials like titanium. Unlike tooth enamel, these materials are highly resistant to sugar acids produced by oral bacteria and won’t decay.
That said, your artificial teeth are not impervious to damage. Use good oral hygiene and avoid chewing hard items like ice to avoid fracturing the artificial tooth. Avoid smoking and excessive coffee or tea to prevent permanent staining.
Your dentist may recommend an interdental brush to help you clean between and around your artificial teeth. You’ll also have to visit your dentist regularly, so they can monitor the health of your implants.
Quality Dental Implants Near You In Eugene, OR
Dental implants are great long-term options for replacing damaged teeth. Since you need multiple procedures for the process, working with an experienced dentist is crucial for a successful tooth replacement.
Are you looking for a dental office near you in Eugen, OR? 360 Dental, under the leadership of Dr. Ari Binder, provides top-notch dental services. We combine compassionate service with the latest methods to give patients dental implants indistinguishable from natural teeth. Learn more by calling us at (541) 689-1645 or by using our online appointment form.
