Are dental implants for you?

Losing a tooth can be a difficult experience, and can affect you both emotionally and physically. When tooth loss happens, there are several options available to you, including removable dentures, root therapy and dental implants.

If dental implant implants are your preferred option, you need to understand what it entails and whether they are right for you.

In the first place, dental implants are not the right solution for every tooth loss problem, but they may be a good option for long term dental health.

This article covers what you need to know before making the choice for dental implants.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are a modern way to carry out complete tooth replacement. This unique process involves surgically implanting titanium posts in the jawbone. The posts provide support for your replacement tooth and fuse in with the jawbone in a process known as osseointegration.

Even though dental implants involve invasive surgery, it offers several benefits over other forms of dental treatments.

Why choose dental implants

As we have already established, there are a number of options available to you when you lose one or more of your teeth. And while dental implants may not be ideal for every situation, when it is, it offers several benefits.

The perfect fit

Dental implants are titanium rods surgically placed where the roots of your tooth should be. These implants are exactly like the real thing in that they come with crowns (which replace your lost tooth) and bridges or dentures.

Since dental implants are placed exactly where your original tooth used to be, after a while, you will no longer be able to tell that you had implants. In fact, no one will be able to differentiate between your original teeth and the implants. Additionally, unlike removable dentures that require regular maintenance, implants will remain fit and snug in your mouth no matter what you eat.

Long lasting

Where the longevity of your dental health alternative is a concern, dental implants are the right option. The dental root and prosthetic once implanted can last for a very long time. For example, where regular bridges can last for between 5 to 10 years, dental implants will last a lifetime with just regular minor adjustments.

Improved dental health

Dental implants provide a lot more improvement in your dental health than when you choose other dental replacement options.

Dental implants not only strengthen your teeth but also provides a stronger structure for your mouth.

Implants function exactly like your natural teeth so that you can eat your favourite foods and drink your favourite beverages without any pain or extra effort.

Because dental implants are just like your natural teeth, it is easy to keep clean, and there is no fear of tooth decay, cavities, or any of the other problems that plague natural teeth.

Higher rate of successful implantation

Dental implants have the highest success rate when it comes to dental replacement procedures. In fact, with a success rate of 95%, this is possibly the best option for tooth replacement in the right situation.

That said, it is important to point out that according to Dr Sam Goldsmith of New Zealand’s Northshore Dental Surgeries NSOMS, the chances of successful dental implantation is largely dependent on the expertise of the dental surgeon who is carrying out the procedure, and the general dental health of the patient. According to him, in the right situation, virtually all dental implant procedures are done without any complications.

The modern method of tooth replacement

Even though dental implants have been around for decades, advancements in technology have made the process seamless and more effective.

These days, with developments such as digital imaging, 3D software, computer tomography, and restoration machines, your dentist can show you what your new teeth will look like even before starting treatment. This way, you can know what you are getting in for and be better prepared for it.

Preserve your appearance

When you lose one or more of your teeth, it causes your jawbone to deteriorate; this will make your face to appear sunken and odd, and make you look older than you actually are. This is why people who have traditional dentures complain of sunken cheeks and thin lips.

Dental implants provide extra structure to your jawline and mouth so that your face remains youthful and whole.

Does dental implant procedure hurt?

Once you have decided to go in for a dental implant procedure, apart from how much you will pay for the procedure, one question that will be top in your mind is whether you feel any pain during the process.

First of all, no two dental implant processes are the same. That said, dental implant is a relatively painless procedure. In fact, you shouldn’t feel any pain; however, you should feel a bit of vibration when the drill is used, and a bit of poking and prodding inside your mouth. All of these are normal.

After the anaesthesia has worn off, you may feel a little bit sore in the affected area, and you will definitely feel signs that something happened in your mouth. But this will not disturb your daily routine. However, you will have to be careful with eating and drinking for a few days.

Experts suggest that even though a dental implant procedure is quite painless, the anticipation and fear is what most patients define as pain. But when your procedure is done by an experienced dental surgeon, it can be a rather pleasant experience.

Wrapping up

Still wondering if implants are for you?

Dental implants are one of the biggest achievements in oral health and boast a high rate of success. Even though in most cases, it is not a one-day procedure, and for some people, the healing process can be long and frustrating, it remains one of the most pain-free and effective replacement processes.

At the end of it all, a dental implant will leave you with a fully functionally dental system, help you regain your beautiful smile and give you back your confidence so that you can speak in public.

Find out from your dentist if you can have dental implants for your dental situation.