A person’s dental formula is arguably the most conspicuous part of their face when they start talking, and it’s only normal to be self-conscious every time you are in front of people. For one reason or another, you may lose your teeth to gum diseases, tooth decay, or perhaps God forbid you happen to undergo a life-changing ordeal like an accident that fractures some of your teeth, it can be a nerve-wracking experience and reality, usually leading to a lost smile or weakened jawbone. Should that be the case, you need not worry as there are permanent teeth replacement methods available for restoring your smile.
Below is a detailed outline of some of the permanent teeth replacement methods.
What are dental implants?
A simple answer to what is a tooth implant, is that teeth implants are artificial teeth roots that provide a fixed base for new permanent teeth. They are usually metallic – Titanium and are surgically placed in the jawline, acting as anchors to the new incoming teeth implants.
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Are dental teeth implants secure?
After the titanium fixture settles on the jawline, with time, it begins to fuse with living bone cells forming a strong anchor. By so doing, there is minimal chance of slippage or unwarranted movement. For this reason, dental replacement implants are safe while eating, in addition, they require regular repairs.
How are dental implants done?
For better understanding, let us look at the dental implants timeline. Firstly, an incision is made into the gum tissue to expose the jaw bone and reflect a flap with the missing tooth. Next, a bone preparation is done, after which a specialized drill is used to drill the implant into position. At times, there is a need for bone grafting to ensure proper integration. Next, follows the stitching back of the tissue.
Generally, dental replacement is a painless procedure done under local anesthesia. Where there is a lot of anxiety detected from the patient, general anesthesia can be used.
For patients without enough gingival tissue and bone volume at the implant site, there is a recently introduced concept of flapless dental implant surgery, which is a better option.
After the implant placement is completed, a healing period of three months is emphasized to enable proper integration with the bone. It is after this period that the crown is placed. Temporary crowns are used during the healing process.
Dental teeth implants are an effective and popular method for replacing lost teeth compared to their dental dentures and bridges counterparts. Due to their best fit option and the real tooth close comparison, their demand is rising and is becoming the standard way of permanent teeth replacement.
Modes of installation;
- Single Implant.
- Multiple Implants.
- Full mouth implant.
They can be implemented in permanent single tooth replacement, multiple teeth, or the full set of lower and upper teeth. For some cases, a full arch teeth implants restoration is needed, whereby four implants are placed, followed by a full arch of teeth. The full mouth treatment derived its name “full arch” from this setup.
A dental replacement implant comprises of three parts, namely;
The implant: This part attaches to the jaw, permanently forming the root of your new teeth.
The abutment: This is a permanent connector, usually removable by a doctor, and supports and holds teeth implants together.
The crown: also known as a prosthetic tooth, is the visible part made of porcelain and acts for food grinding and chewing.
What are the reasons for dental implants?
1.Resolving joint pains, for example, biting problems arising when teeth shift into empty tooth spaces.
2. Restoration of chewing ability.
3. Securing dentures and bridges making them steady and comfortable.
4. Restoration of facial tissues.
5. Replacement of lost tooth.
What are the benefits of dental implants?
Gives an improved and better appearance: Naturally, the implants fuse with your bone making you feel and look like your own teeth.
Helps improve Speech: Teeth are essential for word-formation when we speak. After dental implants installation, you should be able to talk just fine.
Improved comfort: Unlike other removable teeth implants treatments, like dentures, you won’t have to worry about the possibility of implant slippage.
Enables chewing