Have you ever wondered how you could restore your smile after losing a tooth? Dental implants might just be the answer you are seeking. As a popular and effective solution for missing teeth, they are designed to give you back the ability to eat, speak, and smile freely.
Dental implants are more than just artificial teeth.
Made primarily of titanium, a material known for its strength and compatibility with the body, an implant acts like the root of your tooth. It is placed in the area of the jaw where a tooth is missing. After placement, the implant fuses or osseointegrates with the jaw, providing a stable foundation for the artificial tooth.
Understanding Dental Implants
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that provide a fixed base for replacement teeth. Typically formed from titanium, a material compatible with the human body, they are embedded into the jawbone to provide a sturdy foundation for a crown. The advantages of dental implants do not stop there. When combined with a crown they stop the adjacent teeth from drifting.They are also renowned for their ability to preserve jawbone density and to help evenly distribute the forces of chewing.
How Dental Implants Work
The dental implant process follows a number of essential steps, mapping out a lengthy, yet rewarding journey to a complete smile:
- Evaluation & Planning – The first step is to undergo an oral health evaluation, typically involving CT scans and X-rays, to determine if you are a good candidate for implant placement. This foundational step helps in devising a detailed personalised treatment plan.
- Implant Placement – The titanium implant is surgically inserted into your jawbone.
- Osseointegration – For the next 2 to 6 months, the dental implant integrates with the jawbone, fortifying the foundation for the artificial tooth.
- Crown Placement – Once osseointegration concludes, a custom-made crown, matching your natural teeth in colour, shape, and size, is then attached to the implant.
The steps above paint a broad picture of the dental implant procedure. Remember, there are different types of implants, such as endosteal (within the bone) and subperiosteal (on top of the bone). Your oral health care professional will assess you and, depending on your particular needs and preferences, will make the best recommendation for you.
Dental implants epitomise an effective solution for tooth loss. However, they carry a few potential risks, including infection and nerve damage. Hence, correct patient selection, optimal surgical techniques, and diligent post-operative care become indispensable to minimise these risks and guarantee long-term success.
Evaluating Dental Implants as an Option
Suitability for Dental Implants
Not everyone is a suitable candidate for dental implants. Essential factors that denote your eligibility include being in good health, having a fully developed jawbone, healthy oral tissues, and sufficient bone to support an implant. It is also crucial not to have active, prolonged gum disease. In some cases, if your bone is not adequate to support the implant, a bone graft might be an option.
Given these requirements, finding out if you are a suitable candidate forms the first step toward getting dental implants. This entails undergoing a comprehensive oral examination, complete with 3D scans and X-rays, to give the implant dentist a clear picture of where to place the implants.
Benefits of Dental Implants
When compared to other tooth replacement methods like dentures and conventional bridges/crowns, dental implants present an array of benefits. For a start, since they are permanently affixed in the mouth, they enable very stable biting and chewing.
As well, they prevent bone loss by stimulating the jawbone and gum tissue. They also offer a near permanent solution with a reported 10 year survival rate of between 90-95%. Dental implants can look similar in appearance to natural teeth and can be cared for in a fairly similar manner to natural teeth.
Aftercare for Dental Implants
Importance of Good Oral Hygiene Habits
Good oral hygiene can help ensure the long term success of your dental implants. While implants are not susceptible to decay, brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily are crucial. Regular dental visits at least every four to six months for professional cleanings and X-rays are essential to monitor the implant’s status and address minor issues early. Avoid habits like nail-biting, chewing ice, or using teeth as tools, in order to protect the implant’s integrity. Habits such as grinding or clenching can, just as with natural teeth, negatively affect your implants. If you have any of these habits, your oral healthcare professional may recommend a nightguard to prevent the negative impact of these forces. Remember, maintaining dental implants requires a daily commitment to good oral hygiene and caution with oral habits. For care and guidance, allow Concourse Dental to help you maintain your dental implants for years to come.
Samira Jaffer, DDS, a venerated Dentist and Instructor at the University of Toronto, has over four decades of pioneering work in dentistry, complemented by her role in educating the next generation. Her academic journey from a Bachelor of Science to a Doctor of Dental Surgery, both from the University of Toronto, set the stage for an illustrious career. Dr. Jaffer’s contributions have been recognized extensively, including multiple Ontario Dental Association Governance Leadership Awards (2010, 2012, 2018, 2020), the Toronto Central Dental Society Award for her presidency (2010-2011), Fellowships in both the American and International Colleges of Dentists (2013, 2014), and several other honors that highlight her dedication to dental health policy, membership engagement, and society contributions. Her active participation in various dental associations illustrates a commitment that transcends her practice, underscoring a legacy of excellence, leadership, and a patient-first approach that distinguishes her in the field.