Let’s face it, many people, unfortunately, do not take proper care of their dental health as much as they should. This leads to many problems down the line from cavities and in some serious cases, root canals treatments. Sometimes, the root itself might need to be completely replaced. This is where dental implants come in.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are made of titanium and other biocompatible material and is an excellent long-term solution to replacing missing teeth. The shape of the implants resembles a screw that are surgically placed and anchored in the jawbone and serves as a sturdy base to hold the replacement without disturbing any of the adjacent teeth. Unlike other conventional options, such as a bridge or dentures, implants help the patient to maintain improvement in aesthetic appearance by preventing bone loss, preserving the facial features and providing better stability and strength to the teeth that is required to chew properly. These implants are almost indistinguishable from the surrounding natural teeth, and once the bone and supporting tissue fuse to the implant, they are permanently secured into place.
Dental implants, as mentioned before, primarily serve the purpose of tooth replacements. However, they can be used to aid other treatments as well. Since they provide remarkable stability, it can be used to hold and support removable dentures.
Also, they can be used as a temporary anchorage device, shortened to TAD. When used as a temporary anchorage device, it can be used to keep a tooth in the desired position.
The Types of Dental Implants
There are mainly two types of dental implants that have been used over the years. One of which is becoming less and less common.
- Endosteal Implants
This type of implant is now widely adopted and is an implant done in the bone. It provides greater long-term durability.
- Subperiosteal Implants
These are implants that are placed under the gum tissue and just on top of the jawbone. Subperiosteal implants are not in use anymore as they are not fit for the long- term.
Benefits of Dental Implants
- Comfort
Since the bone fuses with the implants, they practically become a part of you. Thus, removing the hassle of removable dentures.
- Better Speech
Dental implants are fixed and very sturdy. This eliminates the risk of them getting misplaces of slippage when speaking.
- Appearance
No one is fond of crooked teeth. Dental implants can help missing teeth and improve appearance.
- Ease in Chewing
Chewing is easier with implants compared to dentures that may shift while eating.
- Convenience and Durability
Because dental implants become a part of your bone, there is practically no need to remove them. This makes it much more convenient, as opposed to dentures. Titanium implants are also quite durable, giving you a permanent long-term solution.
Conclusion
Dental implants have a very high success rate, and there is practically no worry about getting them. A trained professional can replace a missing tooth or use it as a TAD without much hassle, giving you functioning and proper teeth for life.