Discover if dental implants are the perfect choice for replacing your missing tooth or teeth. Our dentists in Brandon provide valuable insights on dental implants to assist you in making an informed decision.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a permanent solution for replacing missing teeth. They consist of a small titanium rod that is implanted into the jaw bone, acting as the root of the artificial tooth.
Titanium is chosen for these implants because it can bond well with the bone. As a result, titanium implants provide stable and secure tooth replacements. To complete the process, a dental crown is placed on top of the implant, resembling a natural tooth.
In summary, the combination of the implant and the crown closely resembles and functions like a natural tooth.
Advantages of Dental Implants
Dental implants offer several advantages, including:
Versatility
Dental implants are versatile and can replace one tooth, several teeth, or all teeth in the upper or lower jaw. They can also be combined with bridges or dentures.
The number of implants required or possible for you depends on your unique situation, including your jaw bone density. Dental implants offer various options and are widely favored by patients.
Long Lasting
If you take good care of your dental implant, it has the potential to last a lifetime. It's crucial to maintain a proper at-home oral care routine, as well as schedule regular cleanings and exams at your dental office. Keep in mind that factors such as nutrition, genetics, and dental diseases can also play a role in the lifespan of your dental implant.
Natural Look & Feel
As mentioned above, your dental implant, paired with a bridge or crown, will look and function just like your natural tooth.
No one should be able to tell that you have artificial teeth and that you can eat, speak and function as you did before while enjoying the quality of life. Since there are no nerves in a dental implant, you will not feel sensations.
Instead, any feelings you experience related to your dental implant will come from the soft tissue around the implant. After your implant has healed and you've gotten used to it, you most likely will notice very little difference between your implant and your natural teeth.
Easy to Care For
Similar to bridges, crowns or other restorations, you can care for your dental implants just like your natural teeth. They'll need thorough brushing and flossing, and your dentist will need to check them during your regular exams.
Possible Disadvantages of Implants
Depending on the nature of your case, dental implants may not be the right choice for you. Be are some aspects of dental implants you may want to consider:
Lengthy Process
Dental implants appear and feel more natural than dental bridges, but the implant process takes longer and is more invasive. The duration of the entire dental implant procedure can range from 2 to 9 months, depending on your treatment plan and specific case.
Additional Procedures
Apart from the aforementioned requirements, the success of your dental implant treatment also depends on the density of your jawbone. In case your jawbone lacks sufficient density, you may still be eligible for the procedure, but a bone graft would be necessary to support the implant. However, this would increase the duration of the process and make it more invasive.
How to Decide If Dental Implants Are Right for You
When it comes to tooth replacement options like dental implants, bridges, and other restorations, each has its advantages. However, the decision that suits you depends on factors such as your oral health requirements, budget, and more.
In the end, the best tooth replacement option for you can be determined by having a conversation with your dentist. They will guide you in choosing the most suitable option based on your specific case.