An Overview Of Dental Implants
Severely misshapen or damaged teeth can be quite frustrating and detrimental to health. Along with negatively affecting your confidence, damaged or missing teeth can also be a source of many oral health issues. While there are many options to treat missing teeth, a dental implant is among the most popular options. It is a permanent tooth replacement solution and comes with several benefits. Read on for a complete overview of dental implants
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is an appliance that is installed to your jaw below the gum line. The implant is inserted into your jaw, enabling the dentist to affix a metal post that supports the artificial tooth. Over the years, this advanced procedure has become a popular substitute for normal dentures.
Types of Dental Implants
1. Endosteal Implants
Endosteal implants are the most popular form of dental implants. People who have healthy jawbones are most suited for these kinds of implants. The implants themselves are placeholder posts that appear as screws and are inserted into the jaw with the artificial tooth. The healing time of this procedure is relatively longer, as it takes time to fuse it into the jaw and get strong support.
2. Subperiosteal Implants
These types of implants are inserted onto, instead of into, the jawbone. It can be used in patients who don’t have a strong enough jawbone for an endosteal implant. A cosmetic dentist in Los Angeles mentioned that subperiosteal implants are recommended for people who had an injury or loss of a bone on their jawbone.
What are the Benefits of Choosing Dental Implants?
Below are the key advantages associated with getting dental implants:
1. A higher level of comfort
Dental implants are inserted into your jaw or gum, and hence, become a part of your teeth structure. This means you don’t have to deal with the discomfort associated with removable dentures.
2. Improved Oral Health
Contrary to tooth-supported bridges, dental implants do not impact other teeth. Considering that teeth attached near the artificial tooth are not required for the support, they are left unaffected. This improves the overall quality of oral health.
3. Ease of Eating
Dentures can make it difficult for you to chew. Dental implants, on the other hand, fit like your natural teeth and provide maximum comfort. Allowing you to enjoy your favorite dish with ease.
4. Improved Self-Confidence
Dental implants, as mentioned above, look and feel just like your natural teeth. Additionally, they are infused with your bone, so provide a permanent solution, thereby providing you more confidence. With denture fitting, teeth can slip, resulting in you to slur or mumble while speaking. Considering that dental implants are rooted within your jaw, you don’t have to worry about such slip.
5. Lasting and Comfortable
Dental implants are quite durable, and if inserted properly, they would last you a lifetime. Removable dentures, on the other hand, need to be removed after a specific time, which can be messy.
The procedure is done under local anesthetic. After the procedure, you may be prescribed painkillers to deal with any temporary discomforts. Additionally, your doctor will also educate you about the after-care procedures you need to follow. Typically implants last for 10 to 15 years, but if you take care of them properly, it can last you for the rest of your life.