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The loss of teeth can have a significant impact on your healthy lifestyle and self-esteem due to aesthetic implications. Additionally, missing teeth can cause bite problems and difficulties with eating. Fortunately, with dental implants from your professional dentist, you can enjoy a healthy, restored, natural-looking smile again. Dental implants are synthetic structures that are placed in the area of your tooth that is normally occupied by the root. As with any restoration of your teeth, implants require diligent oral hygiene and proper care to ensure they last a long time. Dental implants will look, function and feel like your own natural teeth. Dental Implants and How they Work Before implants are placed, your bone density needs to be assessed to ensure that you have sufficient quality and quantity of bone tissue available where the implant will be placed. If there is insufficient bone or significant bone loss has occurred due to periodontal disease, then you may need bone grafting before the implant can be placed. In some cases, mini implants can be used if the bone density is too low for larger implants. Implants are typically placed in one sitting, but require a period of osseointegration, which is the process in which direct anchorage of the dental implant root and the bone of the jaw occur. Commonly composed of a titanium material screw and crown, dental implants do not rely on neighboring teeth for support and are permanent, making dental implants a good solution to tooth loss.
Implant Types There are various types of implants used to replace missing teeth. Some implants include full upper and lower, anterior, posterior, and single-tooth. Full upper replacements replace all of your upper teeth with implants. Implants can also be used to replace your anterior teeth, otherwise known as the front teeth. The replacement process for full upper and anterior implants includes: • Missing tooth roots are replaced with implants, which are covered under the gum line.
• A healing period of up to six weeks allows for proper take
• Implants are uncovered and extensions attached
• Replacement teeth are fixed to the implants and extensions. For full lower replacement with implants, the lower set of teeth usually only use four to six implants near the front, which are used to anchor a denture. This eliminates the need for denture adhesives and allows for a more stable solution. Posterior and single tooth replacement both take on the same steps as full upper and anterior replacements. Posterior replacement uses implants to replace the bicuspids and molars, which are the back teeth.
Smoking and Your Implants Not only can smoking affect your overall, general health, but it can also significantly affect your oral health. Smoking can lead to premature tooth loss, which is not something anyone wants to experience. Luckily, with dental implants your missing teeth can be replaced, but if you do not quit smoking, your implants can have a negative experience as well. Studies have shown that long-term tobacco use can not only cause periodontal disease, but it can also cause gums to recede and bone tissue to gradually disintegrate. If you have dental implants, your dentist may strongly discourage you from smoking because it can cause acute tissue inflammation near the implant site. This can eventually cause the implant to fail, resulting in further dental treatment. When your implant fails, it is referred to as peri-implantitis. It is advised that if you smoke, quitting is the best way to keep your teeth and your implants intact. If you have missing teeth it is important to visit your dentist for proper consultation on an appropriate treatment plan. Your Plano cosmetic dentist will assess your teeth and create a treatment plan that will best fit your smile.
Sean Hartmen writes for leading dentist in Plano and Allen, Dr. Namrita Singh. She continues to gain valuable knowledge of the best new technology, materials and procedures in dental health care by continuing her education, allowing her to provide quality dental care including orthodontics, Invisalign and veneers in Plano and Allen.
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