There used to be a time when a fixed bridge or removable dentures were the only go-to solution in case of losing teeth. These solutions come with the added discomfort of taking special measures to maintain them. With the advent of implants, more people starting turning to it as it was more comfortable. They are surgical fixtures that replace the root of a tooth with screwlike metal posts.
Most of these dental implants are composed of titanium thus seamlessly integrating with the bone. They fuse well with the jawbone and not prone to slips. They are used whilst replacing a single tooth or multiple teeth. The way the surgery is performed on you depends on a few factors – your jawbone condition and type of implant.
Who are ideal candidates?
These implants are for if you:
- Have missing teeth
- Have adequate bone strength to secure the implants
- Have good oral health
- Don’t want to wear dentures
- Seek to improve your way of speech
- Don’t smoke tobacco
If a person’s bone height isn’t sufficient to hold an implant, bone grafting would be done prior to fixing implants.
Though the success of this procedure depends on dental health and the expertise of the physician performing the surgery, this procedure is known to have high success rates. They moreover look and feel entirely natural making it a more appealing choice.
Benefits:
- Easier to eat: Dental treatment options usually come with a level of discomfort and there is always some problem with eating your favourite food. With implants, you get to gorge on your favourite foods just like with natural teeth. There is no noticeable difference with respect to teeth sensitivity too.
- Implants are like a replacement of tooth root: When a tooth is lost, a void is created at the root. The majority of tooth replacement options focus more attention on crown. In case of implants, focus is shifted to roots and other sublevels.
- Protect other healthy teeth: In the event of losing a tooth, dental bridge is usually suggested to replace the missing tooth. Many a times the neighbouring healthy teeth are scrapped so that a proper balance is maintained when fixing a dental bridge. With dental implants, the other teeth remain unharmed in the process.
If you are considering getting these implants, have a discussion with your dentist. He/she would make the initial assessments and then evaluate the options.