Dental implants have joined the list of replacement options for missing teeth, with many patients preferring the look and feel of implants to dentures or bridges. In addition to providing patients with natural-looking teeth, implants are effective in restoring confidence and making eating or speaking more comfortable. They also can improve an individual’s oral health. However, some patients make better candidates for implants than others.
What do dental implants fix?
An implant replaces a missing took with a replacement tooth root fused to the jawbone where removable or permanent replacement teeth can then be attached. There are several areas that this process can improve for a patient:
- Appearance
- Comfort
- Ease of chewing
- Clarity of speech
- Oral health
- Mental health
When compared to dentures or bridges, implants are better at restoring normal oral functions. Dentures can slip and slide, making chewing or speaking difficult and uncomfortable. These situations can be embarrassing and cause poor self-esteem, anxiety, and frustration. Implants allow patients to be more confident that their replacement teeth will stay in place, remain functional, and provide long-term oral support.
Durability and resilience
For those who have experienced significant tooth decay or loss at an early age, dentures and bridges do not offer the same durability as implants. The composition of the implant is a titanium alloy, similar to what is found in a knee or hip implant. As a highly biocompatible product, there are few concerns with bodily rejection or allergic reaction to the implant. Implants are not affected by tooth decay, and with the right home care practices, this treatment can last for a lifetime.
Easy maintenance
Implants have the same care requirements as natural teeth. It is still recommended to brush and floss the teeth twice a day and to use an antibacterial mouthwash each day. Regular dental checkups should also be scheduled. While tooth decay cannot happen to an artificial tooth, problems with gum disease can impact the overall success of lasting implants.
Who is approved for dental implants?
Not everyone who has experienced tooth loss may want to pursue implants. For a majority of cases, individuals healthy enough to undergo oral surgery or a routine dental extraction are good candidates for this treatment.
Missing teeth may be a result of tooth decay, injury, or periodontal disease, and patients wishing to receive implants must commit to regular dental visits and good oral hygiene. Patients also need to have enough bone material to securely hold the implant. When these requirements are met, implants typically have a 90% or higher success rate.
People who may have trouble with implants
Those who have not yet had their adult teeth fully come in should not get implants. Patients who are heavy smokers or who suffer from uncontrolled or unmanaged chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes may require special evaluation of the condition before being approved for implant surgery. The same is true for those who have had radiation in the neck or head area.
Conclusion
Patients with one or more missing teeth may be a good candidate for dental implants. Speak with an oral care provider to determine eligibility for this treatment.
Request an appointment or call Hackensack Emergency Dental and Implant Center at 201-620-9644 for an appointment in our Hackensack office.
Related Posts
Dental implants are one of the options you get to choose from if you are missing one or more teeth. A growing number of people are opting for implants thanks to the convenience that comes with them and their bone tissue preserving properties. Dental implants are rods/screws that are inserted into the jawbone to serve…
A dental implant restoration is often recommended by dentists for patients with one or multiple missing teeth that want the most natural-like and long-term solution for teeth replacement. This review discusses dental implant restoration in detail, highlighting what it is, the benefits, disadvantages, and when to consider treatment.Our goal is to help patients make informed…
You may have heard of dental bridges as a type of restorative treatment at the dentist’s office. It is one of the various options the dentist can explore to restore smiles and the full function of the mouth. As you consider this treatment along with other possible solutions, it is helpful to understand how bridges…