Tooth loss becomes increasingly common with age. Research studies indicate that in the USA, nearly 70% of Americans who are over the age of 50, have lost at least one of their permanent teeth. According to the World Health Organization,
periodontal gum diseases affects nearly 10% of the world population and are one of the leading causes of tooth loss.
Permanent teeth that have fallen out cannot grow back. Thanks to advanced tooth replacement and restorative dentistry procedures like dental implants, artificial teeth or teeth that have fallen out can be implanted in the gum tissue and jawbone to restore your smile and help to eat and talk properly.
What are dental implants?
A dental implant is an artificial root for your teeth. Our teeth fall out when tooth decay spreads to the roots of our teeth and damages them. The damaged roots make the teeth loose, and they easily fall out.
To replace missing teeth, a small surgery is performed to drill a hole inside our gum tissues and jawbone. A metal screw is implanted inside this hole, and a connector is fixed on top of it. A connector helps to hold the artificial tooth in place.
Dental implants provide strong, sturdy support for your artificial teeth that have been fixed to replace your decaying or damaged teeth.
The ideal candidate for a dental implant is a person who has good oral health and does not have gum disease. The person should also have a healthy jawbone and a normal jawbone structure because the implants are inserted deep inside the jawbone and gum tissues.
Candidates for dental implants should be non-smokers and those who maintain good oral hygiene. Adults who have lost one or more teeth are ideal candidates for a dental implant. Dental implant placement is not recommended for children as their jawbone is still growing.
Titanium is known to be the best material for dental implants. But other dental implant materials include stainless steel, cobalt-chromium, nickel-chromium alloys, and gold alloys.
What are the benefits of implants?
Dental implants are a permanent and life-long solution for your missing or lost teeth. Dental implants feel and function like your natural teeth, and you can go about your daily life without worrying about the need to constantly remove and place your dentures, dental bridges, or crowns. Dental implants are one of the safest surgical procedures in the world and are known to have predictable results.
Unlike dentures and dental bridges, dental implants do not require extra care and are known to prevent gum disease and oral infections.
Dental implants save your face from sagging and deformation. They also do not require frequent fixing or visits to the dentist because the tooth is implanted into the jawbone instead of being fixed temporarily with an adhesive. What are the different kinds of dental implants?
The two different types of dental implants are: Endosteal and Subperiosteal.
Endosteal, also known as a single tooth implant, is the most common type of dental implant in which a metal screw is placed inside a jawbone to hold an artificial tooth. It is ideal for patients who are looking for an alternative to dental bridges.
Subperiosteal, also known as multiple teeth implant, consists of a metal framework that is placed on top of the jaw and protrudes out of the gum tissue. Several artificial teeth can be attached or aligned on this metallic frame to replace multiple missing or lost teeth. It is ideal for patients who are looking for an alternative to dentures.
What is osseointegration?
Osseointegration is the fusion of dental implants in the jawbone and connective gum tissues. It can take anywhere between three to six months for the dental implants to completely fuse with your jawbone and provide a firm grip for your artificial tooth.
What are the other treatment options for tooth loss?
Apart from dental implants, some other treatment options for tooth loss include dental crowns, dental bridges, dentures, and bone grafting.
If you are considering dental implants to replace your lost or missing teeth, then visit us at Platte Valley Dental Care. Our dedicated team of licensed dentists includes Staci Blaha, DDS and Trent Blaha, DDS. They will perform a safe and effective dental implant procedure to restore your beautiful smile.
So, call us today at (816)858-2027 to book your appointment.
