Dental implants are becoming an increasingly common tooth replacement option. A dental implant is not the actual tooth replacement but rather the replacement root for the lost tooth. When a tooth is lost, the space it leaves behind can lead to bone loss. The teeth adjacent to the missing tooth will finally drift and tip into the space, making chewing difficult and extraction required. Eventually, the jawbone will be weakened as the roots are no longer present to stimulate bone growth and development.
If you have lost a tooth or several teeth as a result of injury, decay or gum disease, dental implants may be able to restore your smile and improve your oral health. These small titanium devices are surgically implanted directly into your jawbone, where they will be allowed to heal before the final restoration is placed. A single tooth may be replaced with a dental crown, whereas multiple teeth may be replaced with dental bridges or partial or full dentures that are designed to attached to several dental implants.
Implants osseointegrate with your jawbone, which means they become a part of your bone. This means they can help prevent the bone loss that follows the loss of a tooth. Unlike dental bridges, they do not affect the integrity of surrounding teeth. This can improve your oral health over the long term. Contrary to dentures, dental implants are secure. They do not need adhesives, and they do not shift, whistle or move at the most embarrassing of moments. Dental implants have an incredibly high success rate of more than 98 percent, and many people who enjoy good oral and overall health are considered to be good candidates for the procedure.
As dental implants are placed in the jawbone, you should have sufficient bone structure to support them. You may need additional procedures before you can have the implant procedure if you lack sufficient bone density. If you have uncontrolled blood pressure or diabetes, your periodontist or oral surgeon may delay the treatment until your health conditions are better controlled.
Suitable aftercare can ensure the best results. You will need to brush and floss your implants just as you do your own natural teeth to keep them plaque- and tartar-free. You will also need to have periodic check-ups with your dentist to ensure that your implants are in good condition and that your teeth and gums are healthy.
Whether you are missing a single tooth or all your teeth, dental implants may be able to provide you with a secure, healthy replacement option. They can support crowns, dental bridges and even dentures, all while strengthening your jawbone and giving you an incredibly natural look. Your dentist can provide you with the information you need to make the best decision about your own personal oral health.
Visit NOHO Dental Group to learn more about dental implants. Dr. Afar, North Hollywood dental implants specialist, expertly uses dental implants for replacing teeth in individuals who are good candidates for this treatment.