Do you have missing teeth or wear dentures? Dental implants may be the best option for you.
Dental implants are a long-term, popular and efficient option for restoring your smile. "The development of dental implants is one of the biggest advances I have seen in my dental career," says Dr. William Walden. Implants are changing people’s lives! They are made from safe and compatible materials for the human body, and the procedure is essentially pain free.
Why You Should Choose Dental Implants
Bone Preserved
When a tooth is lost, the bone that supported the tooth deteriorates. Dental implants provide the same function as natural tooth roots and stimulate the bone. This preserves the bone from melting away and provides a stable foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel and function like natural teeth.
No Harm to Surrounding Teeth
The surrounding teeth are affected when a tooth is lost or removed. The adjacent teeth will move into the space left by the lost tooth. This creates many problems with the gums and how the teeth fit together and function. Dental implants serve as substitute tooth roots, so none of the surrounding teeth are affected. Other methods of tooth replacement require cutting down the adjacent teeth for a bridge or hooking a partial denture onto other teeth, risking the long-term health of those teeth.
Long-Term Success
The best thing about dental implants is that they are designed to last a lifetime. Other options, such as bridges and partials can possibly fail over time. The American Dental Association states the lifespan of a bridge is 10.1 years due to the teeth under the bridge being more likely to decay or fracture. Partial dentures normally last between 3 and 5 years but also need to be relined (made thicker) as the bone underneath the dentures deteriorate.
More Cost Effective
Because of their high success rate and documented success, dental implants are the most cost-effective option. Alternatively, bridges do not last as long and need repairs and alterations over time. If a tooth is lost, it needs to be replaced by either a tooth-supported bridge or an implant-supported crown. Studies show that bridges last approximately 10.1 years, while implants are documented to be more than 95% successful and last 20+ years.
The Process
The Procedure: The implant is placed into the jawbone.
The Healing Process: The healing process is called osseointegration. It means "combines with the bone" and takes time. During this process, the bone around the implant heals. The bone grows around the implant, holding it in place. This is how the implant is so strong and sturdy. Some patients can have a replacement tooth attached to an implant during one visit, while others must wait up to several months before a replacement tooth can be placed.
The Artificial Tooth is Added: First, the dentist places an abutment, a cylinder made of titanium that connects the implant and artificial tooth. Then, the artificial tooth is placed. If a single tooth is implanted, your dentist will customize a dental crown, or new tooth, for you. With a custom size, shape, color and fit, the crown is designed to blend in with your natural teeth. If multiple teeth are implanted, customized bridges or dentures will be made to fit your mouth and your implants. (Replacement teeth usually take time to make. A temporary crown, bridge or denture may be provided by your dentist to help you function until your permanent replacement is ready.)
Then it’s time to celebrate your new smile!
It’s important to take good care of your teeth and gums as an adult. Though problems can develop no matter how well you brush your teeth and floss, good dental health practices can prevent tooth loss, dental problems, and mouth diseases.
Common Dental Conditions and Concerns for Adults
Gum disease
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is caused by bacterial plaque and tartar accumulating on your teeth. The plaque and tartar can cause serious damage to your jawbone and tooth loss if left untreated. In the early stages, called gingivitis, gum disease is reversible. Symptoms of gingivitis include red, swollen and sensitive gums that bleed when you brush your teeth. Seek dental care immediately to help reduce the chance of tooth loss.
Breaking down of dental fillings
The durability of a dental filling is 8 to 10 years, but they can last up to 20 years or more if cared for properly. If the filling breaks down, food and bacteria get underneath the teeth and cause decay within the tooth. The decay can affect the nerve and lead to necessary treatment through a root canal and a crown to replace the tooth.
Cavities around Fillings
Cavities around fillings, called recurrent decay, or decay on the surface of roots can cause problems to dental hygiene. To reduce the cavities around the fillings, brush 2x per day with a fluoride toothpaste and floss every day. Visit your dentist to treat a cavity and maintain good care of fillings.
Sensitivity
Sensitivity can be caused from cavities, fractured teeth, worn fillings, worn tooth enamel, gum disease, or exposed tooth root. It can be treated by using toothpaste specifically for desensitizing teeth or treatment recommended by your dentist.
Dry mouth
If your mouth is abnormally dry, you may have dry mouth. Medications and health conditions commonly cause dry mouth. Your dentist can help reduce and stop dry mouth through saliva tests.
Temporomandibular Joint Problems
Grinding teeth and biting issues can lead to temporomandibular joint problems (TMJ). This can be caused by teeth shifting position in your mouth due to the extraction of a tooth or several teeth. If your bite is altered, eventually the movement of your jaw will cause pain and locking of your jaw. Dental implants can replace missing teeth and reposition the jaw to its proper place. If grinding is the issue, your dentist may recommend a night guard to stop the teeth grinding at night and relieve stress on the jaw joints.
Dr. Matthew Mangino, Paducah Dental Care, says, "It is important to keep teeth and gums healthy to reduce the risk of developing dental problems, disease and loosing teeth." Follow these easy steps to improve or maintain your dental health:
Brush your teeth 2x per day with fluoride toothpaste
Floss regularly to remove plaque from between teeth
Limit the amount of snacking between meals and sugary or starchy foods you eat
Visit the dentist at least 2x per year for checkups and cleanings
Do not smoke
It is also important to note that many adults are prone to oral cancer, and it is most commonly found in men over 40 years old. Symptoms of oral cancer are tiny, unnoticed white or red spots in the mouth, sore spots and swelling in the mouth or throat, numbness or pain, and a change in how your teeth fit together when you bite. Use of tobacco products and alcohol heighten the risk of oral cancer. Please remember that if oral cancer is found in the early stages it can be treated more easily. Visit your dentist on a regular basis to check for oral cancer symptoms.
