Dental implants are something that most of us need at some stage in our life. They are just a titanium post like tooth root that the surgeon places into our jawbone beneath the gum. While the process may vary depending upon the health of the patient’s teeth, it usually involves two steps. The surgeon places the titanium post to allow the dentist to mount replacement teeth on that area.

A very basic difference between a denture and implant is that the former doesn’t come off like the latter one. Also, there are several oral benefits when it comes to the implants.

Moreover, missing or damaged teeth can make up become nervous while laughing, eating or even talk to someone. However, thanks to modern science, it is really easy to get a replacement tooth that looks and feels just like the original one. Let’s take a look at some general benefits of dental implants.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants have countless benefits, which is why more than 5.5 million people get dental implant services only in the US. [i] Probably the most important benefit of the dental implants is that they don’t slip or shift. Meaning that you can experience the same stability and feel as your natural teeth. There is no special way to clean the dental implants but they can be cleaned in the same manner as your original teeth. Forget about the pain of taking them out at night for cleaning or any other purpose.

Dental implants are a great way to protect your other teeth and hence your jawbone besides the face contour. This is because you can stop the shifting of nearby teeth with the help of dental implants. Additionally, you can rest assured that there is no neighboring required for dental implants. As a result, your tooth structure remains safe which is a good sign for overall dental health. Last but not the least, dental implants are the most suitable, cost-effective and cosmic solution so that you can chew, talk and smile with ease.

Who’s a good candidate for dental implants?

Benefits come later, first it is important to assess whether you are a good candidate for the dental implants or not. As such, there is no tough criteria for dental implants but you have to have enough bone so that you can support dental implant. If you meet that requirement, you are a good candidate for dental implants and can go on with the procedure. However, even if your bone health and height is not up to the mark, surgeons may recommend building up your jawbone. It is important to follow the process with the advice of a surgeon and a physician because conditions like diabetes and leukemia may interfere with the procedure. What happens is that diabetes and leukemia could, in some cases, interfere with the healing process of dental implants. Moreover, smoking cigarettes has the tendency to double your risk of losing a dental implant altogether. [ii]

Different types of Dental Implants material

There are lots of types of materials used for dental implants and it relies upon the recipient to choose one. However, titanium remains as the most popular and also the most reliable option for dental implants patients. It also happens to be the most used material for over a decade around the world. It shows good results and nowadays, the abutment and that the tooth holder is also made of titanium. However, it relies upon the discretion of the dentist and they may opt to choose another material over titanium.

In case if you need a new tooth, also known as crown, you will have plenty of options for material to choose from. For example, if you go for crown for frontal teeth, you can get it made from ceramic or porcelain. The benefit in this case is that these are the most natural looking and it is easy to match that with the color of your own teeth as well. Depending upon the condition of your teeth, the dentist may also recommend metal crowns. However, these are also very long lasting and dentists usually recommend these to people who are at risk of damaging their dental implants.

How long does the procedure take?

Unfortunately, dental implants procedure is a long process that may take up to several months. After getting the initial consultation and acknowledging that you are a good candidate for the dental implants, you are scheduled for a procedure. This procedure is for the insertion of the implant but may also involve the extraction of the damaged tooth first. After the dentist has successfully placed the implant in your face, your jaw and supporting tissues would need some time to heal.

The normal healing time could vary anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks but may vary from case to case. On this stage, the periodontitis or the dentist would examine your teeth to check whether it has been fully healed.

Dental Implants care

Of course, since the process takes so long, it requires patience and endurance on the recipient’s part. Besides that, dental care is extremely important if you want them to last longer, even for lifetime. This involves consistent visits to your dentist and sticking to hygienic oral habits. It is important to brush the teeth at least twice a day, gently and not too hard. Besides that, make sure that you floss as well and carefully clean around your implants so that your gum tissues stay healthy.

All in all, it is important to ask your dentist as much questions as you can about the care of dental implants and the procedure itself. Only then would you be able to prepare yourself mentally for this procedure and properly take care of the implants. The dentist may ask you for your medical history and taking several x-ray and other scans before the procedure actually starts. Provide them with as much information as you can to stay on the safe side.

[i] http://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Publications/Files/ADA_PatientSmart_Implants.ashx

[ii] http://ebd.ada.org/en/evidence/evidence-by-topic/implantology/smoking-interferes-with-the-prognosis-of-dental-implant-treatment-a-systematic-review-and-meta-ana?Tab=3