What are dental implants? What does dental implant surgery involve? What is the longevity of dental implants? Read this to find out what you need to know.

Tooth decay is a very common occurrence among adults. 27% of adultshave some tooth decay that is going untreated.

When tooth decay is left alone, it can run rampant in the mouth and cause major problems. One of those is the loss of teeth. If this is the case, then dental implants can be used to replace the lost tooth and last for 25 years.

There is a lot to learn about dental implants and how to get them, so read on to find out more useful information.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are tooth replacements for natural teeth that have had to be removed due to health issues, like tooth decay.

The implant has an anchor that is permanently fixed in the jawbone through a surgical procedure. Technically, the implant is this anchor that can replace a lost tooth.

After that procedure, the replacement tooth can be attached to that anchor for a natural look and feel. There are two different types of implants; fixed or removable. The replacement tooth (called the crown) is attached to a piece called the abutment.

This abutment is the bridge that holds the two pieces (implant and crown) together. Its a little metal piece that goes into both areas.

The anchor never comes out after it has been placed, regardless of the type of crown you get.

Dental implants are designed to match your natural teeth and blend in. This procedure has been done for many decades, so the technology has been refined to perfection. It's very hard to distinguish the natural teeth from the implanted ones.

A dental implant is really the best option for someone who has lost a permanent tooth.

Benefits of Dental Implants

If you are missing a natural, permanent tooth a dental implant for tooth replacement has so many benefits.

The first being that you won't have a hole in your mouth anymore. This is important for the overall health of your mouth. When there is a large space it can easily be filled with bacteria that can cause other problems.

Also having a gap can cause the neighboring teeth to shift and move around. This shifting can cause a weaker bite.

There is also the visual aspect of missing teeth that can make the patient feel very uncomfortable and self-conscious about their smile and mouth. A dental implant looks natural and no one would ever know you were missing a tooth.

One of the major benefits of an implant is protection against gum disease. When the gums have less surface area exposed they generally have fewer bacteria growing that will cause problems.

Overall, dental implants can improve the health and appearance of the patient's teeth in many ways.

What Does Dental Implant Surgery Involve?

The actual procedure for placing a dental implant is a very straight forward surgery.

It can be done in basically any dental office, as long as the staff has been fully and properly trained of course. This service is widely offered and a popular choice for those adults who have missing teeth.

Generally, the patient will receive some local anesthetic like they would for other dental procedures. It is very rare that the surgeon will put the patient under anesthesia.

Each dental implant procedure follows the same basic pattern. First, the surgeon or dentist will drill a small hole through the gum and into the jaw bone. Then the small anchor is placed through the hole and attached to the bone.

This implant is made of titanium and looks like a tiny post. The titanium is used to extend the life of the implant and make it as permanent as possible

After the post is secured, the area will be sewn up with dissolvable stitches. And the surgery is over!

The longest, and most important, part of this process comes next. That is the healing time. It generally takes anywhere from three to six months for complete recovery. During this time the post and jawbone will bond together for a really tight seal.

Often a customer will get a temporary filler tooth during this healing period. Meanwhile, the dentist has made molds of your other teeth to cast the new one, down to the color.

After the post is completely healed the permanent crown can be connected to the implant using a piece called the abutment. And you've got a new smile!

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

Dental implants have a 98% success rate. There are very rarely any complications after getting this type of procedure done, so failure is unlikely.

Occasionally, a patient will have some mild discomfort following the surgery. But this can easily be treated with over the counter pain medications and should only last a little while.

Most patients say that the procedure is similar to have a tooth removed at the dentist, if not a little easier.

With the proper care and dental hygiene, a dental implant should last at least 25 years. In order to take care of the implant, you just need to do the same things you'd do for your natural teeth; brush, floss, and get regular checkups.

If you don't take care of the implants by brushing and having good oral hygiene, then it could lead to serious infections and other problems within your mouth. Implants may become damaged if you use your teeth improperly as well. They should not be used to open items or chew on hard items.

How long implants last depends on how well you take care of them.

Dental implants are a great choice because they leave the natural bone and the procedure actually stimulates bone growth.

Go Visit the Dentist

If you suspect that you are experiencing tooth decay, there may be other options that will solve your problems. Dental implants are a last resort and there may be things you can do to save the tooth or avoid surgery.

The most important thing you need to do is get into the dentist for a checkup to see what is going on. They have the knowledge and training to build a treatment plan that will work best for you.

If you have questions, concerns, or are ready to make an appointment, contact us today!

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