If you’re missing one or a few teeth and would choose not to have a bridge or full or partial dentures, you might consider asking your dentist whether you’d be a good candidate for dental implants. Dental implants promote a more natural tooth replacement over dentures because they’re artificial teeth that are surgically inserted directly into the jawbone. To advance from dental implants, you must be in good health (aside from missing teeth) and have a fully developed and healthy jawbone – healthy gums and a healthy jawbone are needed to support the dental implants.
Dental Implants: function & aesthetics
Dental implants are more like natural teeth than dentures. A dental implant looks like a barrel or screw and it serves as an artificial replacement and serves as the essence of a missing tooth. Dental implants are constructed of titanium or other material that won’t cause an adverse reaction when they are attached to the jawbone and gums.
How Long Does the Dental Implant Surgery Take?
Keep in mind that the surgery to place dental implants takes several hours, and more than one procedure may be needed. So anyone who is at increased risk for infection may not want to choose dental implants. If you’re healthy and you undergo surgery for dental implants, be sure to follow your dentist’s instructions for oral hygiene – including and twice a daily flossing – following the procedure to keep your new teeth clean and healthy. The advantages to dental implants vs. dentures include a more natural ability to eat and speak, and there is no need to remove dentures or worry about denture repair. But it is important to see a dentist regularly to be sure your implants are in good condition and to follow a consistent oral care routine of twice-daily tooth brushing and daily flossing.
Should I Get Dental Implants?
But implants aren’t a good choice for everyone. Pregnant women and people with chronic illness or immunosuppression (due to the increased risk of infection during surgery), children (because their jawbones are still developing) and people who grind or clench their teeth (this habit can put too much pressure on implants) are not good candidates for dental implants.