Dental Implants: All you need to know

Do you hide your smile due to missing teeth? Are your dentures loose? You are not alone! Dental implants can provide you with comfort, confidence and function.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants have revolutionized over the years and have changed the way teeth can be replaced. They are considered the “gold standard” when replacing missing teeth and can provide a better quality of life.

Dental implants can replace a single tooth, multiple teeth or support a full set of dentures. The implant itself is a screw which is inserted into the jawbone and usually made from titanium but can also be made of a metal-free material called zirconia. The implant is placed and heals within the jawbone, then the bone and the implant fuse together to provide stability, (a process called osteointegration). After 3-6 months a crown is placed on the implant to make it look and function like a natural tooth.

In some cases, this whole process can be done in 1 day called Tooth-In-A-Day procedure. This procedure is something you would discuss with your dentist prior to placing the implant and determine if you are a good candidate for this treatment option.

Who would be a good candidate for dental implants?

Before placing dental implants, you should have a consultation with your dentist or oral surgeon. It is the doctor’s job to ensure you are a good fit for implants and that you are given a specific treatment plan based on your oral health.

• Overall your general health must be in good condition. Medical conditions such as diabetes, people undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment, pregnancy, or using tobacco products may change the treatment plan or prevent you from being a candidate for dental implants.
• The structure of your jawbone. If you do not have enough jawbone to support the implant you may not be a good candidate, or you may need a bone graft to help build the jawbone up so the implant can be supported.
• If you wear dentures that are uncomfortable or have to use denture adhesives to keep your denture in place, are dissatisfied with your partial dentures, or are unable to chew and digest your food due to missing teeth or loose dentures you would make a great candidate for implants or implant supported dentures.

What are the benefits of dental implants?

There are many benefits to investing in dental implants that a bridge (another procedure used to replace missing teeth) or conventional dentures cannot serve you. Benefits include:

• long term solution to missing teeth
• promotes healthy bone which maintains your facial shape and smile
• healthy adjacent teeth will not be affected or reduced (ex: dental bridge)
• Implant supported dentures offer firm, better fit, comfort and retention. Therefore, the denture feels more natural and you have a greater ability to speak, chew and smile.

Implant Supported Dentures and Bridges

With implant supported dentures or full arch bridges, anywhere from 2-6 implants are placed either on the upper or lower jaw. A denture then clicks in (which can be taken in and out at night), or is supported by a bridge which is a fixed appliance and only removed by the dentist. These options provide a greater ability to speak, chew and smile as well as keeps the appliance in placed without it shifting around as the jawbone shrinks over time.

If you or someone you know is interested in dental implants, seek a consultation with a dentist to discuss your treatment options- you are worth the investment of dental implants!

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