Dental Implants: The Most Effective Missing Tooth Replacement Option

Do you have missing teeth and are struggling to eat or smile? Have you heard of dental implants? You can be an excellent candidate for dental implants. With implants, you do not have to worry about teeth moving or falling out of your mouth as with dentures.

Since its invention in the sixties, implants have made significant leaps and bounds to be the number one tooth replacement option there is, hands down.

Having a missing tooth can bash your confidence, and the gap left can be a breeding ground for bacteria. There are other hosts of issues that can arise when you have a missing tooth, which can be resolved when you get a Vernon dental implant.

Let’s look at how implants are changing the lives of thousands of people across the country.

Facts About Implants

Technically, implants are not teeth replacements but root replacements. This is because an implant is a titanium screw-like post typically inserted in your jawbone through surgery.

When you lose a tooth, a gap is left in your jawbone, which is not only a breeding ground for bacteria but leads to bone deterioration. The breakdown of your jawbone happens because there is no root to nourish and fill the space.

Naturally, your facial structure will look off, since your jaw area will look pruned. However, when implants are inserted in your jawbone, they fuse with it. The process is known as osseointegration.

Titanium has been the choice material for a long time since it is biocompatible with human tissue. This means that when introduced in your body, it will not be toxic or harmful to your body.

When the implant fuses with the bone, it becomes a part of your jawbone and acts as your natural root.

There are different implants based on the procedure, but primarily, the most common implant procedure uses the implants that have three parts:

• The implant or fixture – This is the part that our dentist surgically inserts in your jawbone. This is the titanium screw-like post that replaces your tooth root.
• The connector or abutment – This is the part that is screwed on the implant that appears above the gum line. It acts as the connector or link between the implant and the teeth replacement treatment.
• The dental prosthesis – This is the part that is fixed on the abutment and is the tooth replacement. It can be a denture, bridge, or dental crown.

Versatility of Implants

Implants can be used in many scenarios, including:

Single Tooth Replacement  

• Implant crown – If you have lost only one tooth, then an implant crown will be placed on the implant to replace the tooth. It can function the same or better than the tooth you lost.

Multiple Tooth Replacement

• If you have lost more than one tooth, especially three or more, an implant bridge becomes a viable option that can be placed on two or more implants.
• If you have lost many teeth, an implant denture can be placed on the implants. Your budget and preference determine the type and style of the denture to be used. You can even replace an entire arch with a complete denture.

Who Can Get Implants?

Nearly anyone can get implants; however, our dentist will ascertain whether you are a perfect candidate. We have to determine whether your bone and surrounding tissue are healthy enough to support the implants.

If not, and if you are willing, our dentist will have to perform a sinus lift or a bone graft to bulk up the jawbone, so as the procedure can be a success.

If you fall in any of the following categories, getting dental implants will not be a good idea:

• You are a heavy smoker
• You suffer from conditions such as diabetes and heart disease
• If you have undergone radiation in the head or neck area, you will need hyperbaric treatment before you get the implant placed.

Why Are Implants the Best Option?

Implants do not depend on your other teeth for anchorage but depend on your bone for anchorage. They look, feel, and function like your teeth. Because of this, here are some of the benefits:

• They are comfortable because they are a part of you
• With proper implant care, they can last as long as your natural teeth
• You will have improved speech because they are firmly placed in your jawbone
• They preserve the jawbone
• You will enjoy chewing your food since they function like your teeth

Implants will change your life for the better, and you will not feel as though you ever lost your teeth. You can call us at Ryan K Dentistry if you need dental implants or any other dental procedure.