If you have missing teeth, you have a few options for replacing them, such as dentures, a bridge, or dental implants. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages. You should discuss with your dentist which treatment will be best for you. If you’re interested in dental implants, this article will help you determine if they are a good option for your oral health.
Be sure to schedule an appointment with Dr. Strandburg to receive more information.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a substitute for the root of a tooth. It is usually made of titanium and is a cylindrically and/or a tapered shaped post. A connector, known as an abutment, is screwed into the top of the dental implant to connect the implant to the crown. Finally, a custom made crown is fabricated to match your natural teeth and attached to the abutment, completing the dental implant.
Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?
If you are in good health, chances are you’re a candidate for dental implants. Whether you lost one or more teeth due to gum disease, an accident, or if you simply weren’t born with them, dental implants can naturally and effectively give you the teeth you’ve always wanted and maintain your jaw health.
Your overall health and habits can affect whether or not dental implants are right for you. Dr. Strandburg will perform a complete review of your medical history to determine the best decision for your oral health. Common examples of conditions that may prevent you from being a good candidate include:
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Taking bisphosphonate drugs
- Cancer
- Alcoholism or drug abuse
- Poor oral hygiene
- Limited jaw bone quantity and quality
- Immunosuppression
- Severe tooth grinding or clenching
How Can Dental Implants Benefit Me?
Dental implants are one of the most effective ways of replacing missing teeth. The success rate of implants has been shown to be up to 98%. Their many benefits include:
- They keep adjacent teeth healthy. Implants do not affect the other teeth in your mouth, unlike a bridge, which requires grinding down healthy teeth to act as anchors. Also, if an empty space is left for an extended period of time, the adjacent teeth can start to shift. Filling the space with a dental implant can help to prevent this.
- They’re comfortable. Implants are the next best thing to real teeth because they are anchored into your mouth. For denture and partial wearers, implants make wearing their prosthetic much more enjoyable as they can help prevent it from slipping out of place which can make it uncomfortable to chew and speak.
- They maintain healthy bone. When a tooth is removed, over time there can be loss and deterioration of the jaw bone. Dental implants will preserve and stimulate bone growth.
- They are natural-looking. The prosthetics we attach to dental implants looks incredibly natural. We take care to match them to your real teeth.
- They’re easy to care for. Clean and care for your dental implants just like you would real teeth!
- They are a permanent solution. With proper care, dental bridges last roughly 10 years before they need to be replaced. If you properly care for your implants, they can last a lifetime.