Thanks to technical developments in dentistry and oral surgery, replacement teeth have evolved significantly since the first denture was produced at the beginning of the seventh century.
People who have lost or are missing teeth now have various choices, the most frequent of which are tooth bridges, implants, dental crowns, and removable replacement teeth (dentures).
Dental implants, on the other hand, are one of the most practical choices today. Let’s take a look at why.
Dental implants are a practical choice if you have missing or damaged teeth that you want to replace. They can help you obtain a more natural-looking smile, increase your comfort, and boost your self-esteem.
The root section of a dental implant is made up of titanium, which is placed in your jawbone to emulate the root section of a natural tooth. To replace the tooth, a ceramic dental crown is placed on top of the implant. They must be cared for in the same way that natural teeth are, which entails daily brushing and flossing and regular appointments to the dentist and hygienist.
Why Should You Go for Dental Implants?
While dental implants are more expensive than standard dentures, there are several reasons why they should be seriously considered:
- Longevity: Dental implants are made of titanium, which makes them strong and enduring.
- Convenience: Regular dentures, whether full or partial, can slip and become an annoyance on occasion. They can also cause shoulder pain, neck pain and headaches if your bite is incorrect. On the other hand, implants don’t slip and don’t require sticky glues to maintain them in place as they are fixed in the jaw.
- Improved Looks & Smile: Implants are designed to look like natural teeth, and since they are secure, they can help you regain – and retain – your self-esteem.
- Better Speech: When dentures aren’t properly fitted, they might loosen and slip within the mouth, leading the wearer to talk incoherently or with a lisp. Because they are permanent, dental implants hold the new teeth in place and allow the wearer to speak normally and without slurring.
- Ease of eating and chewing: Dentures that are too loose might make chewing difficult. Like your natural teeth, dental implants allow you to eat a wide variety of foods without pain or discomfort.
Dental implants are a long-lasting tooth alternative method supposed to be a permanent fix to tooth loss, lasting 20 to 30 years. Though a successful dental implant treatment might take up to six months to complete, they can last forever with proper maintenance and dental hygiene.
Individual dental implants’ lifespan and effectiveness, on the other hand, varies depending on several factors, including:
- Lifestyle: People who smoke or consume substantial amounts of alcohol regularly have a higher chance of dental implant failure than those who do not. It is important to avoid smoking, and heavy drinking before and after your dental implant is placed to help prolong the life of your dental implant.
- Gum Diseases: If a patient has significant dental caries or gum disease, a dental implant may fail quicker than predicted. Peri Implantitis is a form of gum disease that causes inflammation surrounding the implant, causing the jawbone that supports it to deteriorate.
- Teeth Wear: Excessive stress on the teeth from clenching or grinding might cause the implant to malfunction. If you bite your teeth firmly or munch on particularly crunchy foods, you may shorten the life of your dental implant. Utilising your teeth to open some items or remove tags might also shorten the life of your dental implant.
- Minimal Bone: Implants require appropriate support from the jawbone to remain stable. Patients with bone loss must be carefully assessed by their dentist to determine whether or not they are candidates for implants.
- Position: The kind and position of the tooth being replaced have an impact on the longevity of a dental implant. This is because each of your teeth has a unique function and involvement in chewing, eating, biting, and speaking. The teeth towards the rear of your mouth, for example, are primarily used to chew food and are subject to increased pressure regularly.
- The implant’s quality and the dental clinician’s ability to supervise it: A high-quality dental implant will outlast a lower-quality implant. A top-quality dental implant should last for decades when put together with a qualified professional dental clinician who knows how to place and fuse an implant effectively.
How to Keep Your Dental Implants in Good Shape
The length of time that dental implants endure varies from patient to patient and is determined by how well you care for your teeth and general oral health.
Dental implants can be taken care of in the same way that natural teeth are. Brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day will assist in maintaining the health of your gums and teeth and prevent plaque and biofilm build-up. This will not only keep your teeth and gums healthy, but it will also keep your breath fresh.
You should still get regular dental check-ups even if your teeth are artificial. Not only will your dentist analyse your dental health during these visits, but they will also be able to inspect your implants for any problems. For example, the presence of cracks or deterioration to the crown can be readily detected, and your dentist will discuss the best course of action with you.
Periodic dental hygiene treatments will also assist in maintaining your teeth and gums as healthy as possible, extending the life of your dental implants. You will be shown how to properly care for and cleanse your natural teeth and your dental implants at your hygiene appointments.
The longevity and health of your dental implants will be improved if you solely use them to eat and chew food. Attempting to open bottles or plastic packaging with your dental implants and using them as utensils put undue stress on them and reduce their lifetime.
Conclusion
If you’ve lost one or perhaps more teeth, current dentistry offers various excellent tooth replacement choices. On the other hand, dental implants are one of the greatest treatments available if you’re a good candidate; they’re adaptable, resilient, and function to restore your teeth while maintaining your short- and long-term oral health.
They become a responsible member of your smile when treated properly, ensuring that it remains healthy and attractive for a lifetime.