IMPLANTS AND TOOTH REPLACEMENT.

Despite improvements in dental care, millions of persons all over the world suffer tooth loss, mostly due to tooth decay, injury, or periodontitis (gum disease). For many years, the only treatment options available for people with missing teeth were bridges, partials, and dentures. But, today dental implants are available.

Dental implants are replacement of tooth roots. Implants provide a strong foundation for permanent or removable replacement of teeth that are made to match the natural teeth. The first step in the dental implant process is the development of an individualized treatment plan prepared by an experienced dentist in oral surgery and restorative dentistry. Next, the tooth root implant, which is a small post made of titanium, is placed into the bone socket of the missing tooth. As the jaw bone heals, it grows around the implanted metal post, anchoring it securely in the jaw. The healing process can take from 2 to 6 months.

Once the implant has bonded to the jaw bone, a small connector post called an abutment is securely attached to the post to hold the new tooth.  The restorative dentist then makes impressions of the abutment, creating a model from which to build a crown. Since the implant is secured within the jaw bone, the replaced tooth will look, feel, and functions just like one’s own natural tooth.

There are many advantages to dental implants:

• Improved appearance. Dental Implants look and feel like one’s own teeth.
• Improved speech. Dental implants allow you to speak without fear that your teeth might slip down as what happens often with poor fitting dentures.
• Improved comfort. Since they are become part of your body, implants eliminate the discomfort of removable dentures.
• Easier eating. Sliding dentures can make chewing difficult. Dental Implants function like our own teeth, allowing one to eat their favorite foods with confidence and without pain.
• Improved self esteem. Dental implants can give you back your smile and help you feel better about yourself.
• Improved oral health. Dental Implants don’t require reduction of other tooth, as a tooth supported bridge does, as the nearby teeth are not altered to support the implant. Individual implants also allow easier access between teeth.
• Durability. Implants are very durable and will last many years.
• Convenience. Dental implants eliminate the embarrassing inconvenience of removing the dentures, as well as the need for messy adhesive to keep the dentures in place.
• Dental Implants have generally a success rate of up to 98% and with proper care can last a lifetime.

Any person, who is healthy enough to undergo a routine dental extraction or oral surgery and has healthy gums and enough bone to hold the implant, can undergo dental implant surgery. Dental implants require the same care as real teeth, including brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups.