If you are missing single or multiple teeth, a dental implant is a perfect solution as it helps in replacing missing teeth. A dental implant is a titanium post (like a tooth root) that is surgically positioned into the jawbone beneath the gum line that allows your dentist to mount replacement teeth or a bridge into that area. Once in place, they allow your dentist to mount replacement teeth onto them. Since a dental implant is secured in the jawbone they are not visible once surgically placed. An implant is not like a denture, it doesn’t come loose. Dental implants also benefit general oral health because they do not have to be anchored to other teeth, like bridges.
Advantages of dental implants over traditional tooth replacement options:
- Since implants fuse to your jawbone, they provide stable support for artificial teeth. Dentures and bridges mounted to implants won't slip or shift in your mouth — an especially important benefit when eating and speaking. When bridges are not mounted to an implant, some of the bone that previously surrounded the tooth begins to deteriorate.
- The secure fit helps the dentures and bridges — as well as individual crowns placed over implants — feel more natural than conventional bridges or dentures.
- For some people, ordinary bridges and dentures are simply not comfortable or even possible, due to sore spots, poor ridges or gagging. Dental implants are still an option for such patients. A question may arise as to after implant, how long should one wait before you can place braces. In this case, orthodontics has to be consulted. Once the implant is placed, it may generally take several months of healing depending on your health conditions. Healing in the bone is essential before placing caps or crowns, bridges, or dentures which are used to support. Your dentist and the surgical specialist will develop a plan designed to produce the best possible outcome in a reasonable period. Dental implants may take up to six months before the bones grow around and get attached to this anchor. The fitting process may require several months before a proper fit is finalized.
- Ordinary bridges must be attached to teeth on either side of the space left by the missing tooth. This requires that adjacent teeth be grounded down to support the cemented bridge. Dental implants do not need this support. It can replace teeth without sacrificing the health of neighboring teeth.
- In the long term, a single implant can be more aesthetic and easier to keep clean than a bridge. Gums can recede around a bridge, leaving a visible defect when the metal base or collar of the bridge becomes exposed. Resorbed bone beneath the bridge can lead to an unattractive smile. And, the cement holding the bridge in place can wash out, allowing bacteria to decay the teeth that anchor the bridge.
- Dental implants are made of titanium, which is lightweight, strong and biocompatible, which means that it is not rejected by the body. Titanium’s special property of fusing to
bone , called osseointegration, is the biological basis of dental implant success. - Along with replacing lost teeth, implants help maintain the jawbone’s shape and density. This means they also support the facial skeleton and, indirectly, the soft tissue structures — gum tissues, cheeks and lips.
- Because they become part of you, implants eliminate the discomfort of removable dentures.
Pre-requisites for getting your dental implants:
- Uncontrolled diabetes, cancer, radiation to the jaws, smoking, alcoholism, or uncontrolled periodontal (gum) disease may affect whether dental implants will fuse to your bone. It is important to let your dental surgeon know all about your medical status (past and present) together with all medications you are taking, whether prescribed, alternative (herbal) or over-the-counter.
- You gum should be in healthy condition.
- There should be
adequate bone to support the implant. If there is not enough bone to support the implant, bone grafting procedure will be first done before to create a more solid base for your dental implant.
The procedure for getting your dental implants done:
- First, the implant, which looks like a screw or cylinder, is placed into your jaw.
- Over the next two to six months, the implant and the bone are allowed to bond together to form an anchor for your artificial tooth. During this time, a temporary tooth replacement option can be worn over the implant site.
- Once it is bonded, the oral surgeon will uncover the implant and attach an extension. This temporary healing cap completes the foundation on which your new tooth will be placed. At times, this step is not required. This is because your surgeon uses an implant which already has the extension piece attached to it. Your oral surgeon will advise you on which approach is best for you.
- If an extension is attached later, your gums will be allowed to heal for a couple of weeks following the procedure.
- Finally, a replacement tooth called a crown will be created for you by your dentist and attached to a small metal post, called an abutment.
- After a short time, you will experience restored confidence in your smile and your ability to chew and speak just like before.
Care needed to be taken after a dental implant surgery:
There will be some discomfort after the surgery will come down over a period of time. You must commit to keeping these structures healthy.
- Follow the direction given to you by your surgeon.
- Meticulous oral hygiene should be maintained. In order to keep your implant clean and plaque-free, brushing and flossing are very important.
- Smoking should be avoided for long term success of dental implants.
- Regular dental visits are critical to the long-term success of dental implants.
If you don't look after your implants, they will develop a coating similar to what you get on neglected natural teeth. Left untreated, this can lead to gum infection, bleeding, soreness and general discomfort. You could get all these problems with natural teeth.
How long will a dental implant last?
If proper care is taken dental implants like our natural teeth can last a lifetime. It is highly recommended that regular visits to the dentist are made to get routine examinations and cleaning done. This gives life-long
Cost of dental implants:
Implants are usually more expensive than other methods of tooth replacement, and most insurance carriers typically cover less than 10 percent of the fees. Coverage under your medical plan may be possible, depending on the insurance plan and/or cause of tooth loss. You can visit our office to discuss about your financial options. However, over the longer term, implants are usually a more cost-effective and satisfactory option.
Dental implants are the closest you can get to healthy, natural teeth. Modern dental implants have been used successfully for over 30 years. They are the strongest devices available to support replacement teeth. They allow you to live the way you want to – confidently eating, smiling, laughing, talking, kissing and enjoying all of your everyday activities without worrying about your teeth.
At Implants Pro Center™, San Francisco, we accept all major dental and medical PPO insurances, thereby reducing your worry about the cost of dental implant treatment, or any oral surgeries. We also have a tremendously experienced and caring staff who will provide life-long care, maintenance, and support. Implants Pro Center™, San Francisco, is also equipped with all the modern technologies like CT-Scan, Intravenous Sedation, Platelet Rich Fibrin, etc. in order to provide nothing less than the best of services. You will be completely at ease for any of your procedure. Feel free to get in touch with us to schedule your consultation.