Despite advancements in dental treatment, a large number of Americans suffer tooth loss — largely as a result of tooth decay, gum disease, or trauma. In the past, the only treatment options available for individuals with missing teeth were dentures and bridges. However, now, dental implants are readily available.
What is a dental implant?
An implant is a titanium root that is surgically placed in the jaw bones. Once in place, the titanium surface bonds to the jaw bone. A titanium post called an abutment, goes from the implant through the gum and act as the tooth part. Implants offer a solid foundation for fixed or removable replacement teeth. They can support crowns and bridges. They also stabilize fixed and removable dentures.
What Are the benefits of implants?
Implants offer an improved look, as they have a profile and emergence similar to natural teeth. They preserve adjacent natural teeth as there is no need to trim a healthy tooth to place a bridge crown. As the implant surface bonds to bone, it provides solid foundation for replacement teeth. Dentures stabilized with implants are secure and have a better fit than conventional removable dentures. Implants function like teeth, letting you eat your favorite food with confidence. They improve the overall quality of life. With immediate implant placement, you can have an implant placed in a fresh extraction socket without having to wait for months for the bone to heal. This technique usually results in better esthetic outcome, especially when front teeth are involved.
Who is a candid to dental implants?
To receive an implant, you must have healthy gums and adequate amount of bone to support and stabilize the implant. You must have an overall good health. If you do not have enough bone at the implant site, a bone graft can be placed to augment the area. A bone graft can even be placed in the sinus to augment surgical sites for replacement of upper molar teeth. You must also commit to keeping your dental implants healthy with meticulous hygiene and regular dental visits. Implants can develop gum disease as natural teeth.
How expensive are implants?
Implants are usually more expensive than conventional crowns and bridges. Most insurance plans do not cover implant treatment. However, considering the benefits of implants, they are a better investment than conventional methods of tooth replacement. They also have a higher success rate than conventional bridges.