Everything stops when a child smiles for the first. Parents will do anything to get their baby to smile again. Smiles are a universal gesture of friendship and make a person appear more attractive. South Florida Reporter reports that the average woman smiles around 62 times per day. The average male, on the other hand, only smiles eight times per day. These numbers will likely decrease when a person is missing or has failing teeth. This can be detrimental to the individual’s personal and professional relationships. What are the options available to a person who has one or more failing or missing teeth, and is refusing to smile?
What are Dental Implants ?
Dental implants are artificial roots. The implant is placed by the dentist into the jawbone, where it fused with the natural bone. This implant is the base for a crown, or artificial tooth. The dentist will attach an abutment, or connector, to the dental implant once it has fused. This connector will hold the crown. Dentists ensure that the crown fits correctly in the mouth and matches the natural tooth. Modern dental implants have been in use for more than 30 years and look, feel and function just like natural teeth. Visit rincondentistry.com to learn more about the services we offer.
Fast Facts
Many people think dental implants are only a relatively recent invention. Archaeologists have found ancient human use of dental implants. They were hammered in the jaws of Mayan women dating back 600 AD.
P.I. Branemark was a Swedish orthopedist who discovered that titanium and human bone fused in 1952. This was discovered while treating patients with hip and knee problems. He then turned his attention to the mouth, and began researching the use of titanium for treating oral health problems.
Around three million Americans have at least one implant, and that number is increasing by a half million each year.
Who is the Beneficiary of Dental Implants?
Dental implants are beneficial to adults who have lost one or more of their teeth, or are in danger of losing them. Implants can replace teeth that have been lost due to injury, infection or decay. They also replace teeth that did not grow in properly. Most dentists offer implants only to adults over 18 years old. Some dentists will allow girls as young as 16 to receive implants. The dentist will check to see if a child’s growth and development of the face has finished. Boys don’t get this until they are 18 years old, at which time they can have the implant done as an adult.
Bone loss is a common problem for people who wear dentures. Dental implants can solve this problem, since they replace the tooth root and encourage bone growth. To minimize bone loss, patients should see their dentists as soon as they lose a tooth. This bone loss may already have occurred and a bone graft is needed to support the implant.
Implants last for a lifetime. Dental bridges, on the other hand, need to be replaced every 5-10 years. Implants are more expensive at the time they are installed, but the patient will save money over the long term.
Dental implants allow people to eat and talk with confidence. You can eat anything you want without worrying about the implant clicking or slipping as you speak. Implant patients report that their speech sounds more natural than with dentures. These are just a few benefits. When you visit the dentist for a consultation, ask him to tell you more.
What should patients expect?
The patient must be aware of the process involved in placing dental implants. The patient first meets with the dentist in order to determine if an implant is the best option. The dentist will then place the implant into the jawbone at the next appointment. Patients find that this procedure is painless and much easier than expected. Patients can expect to experience some swelling and bruising after dental surgery. Over-the-counter medications manage most men and women’s symptoms.
The healing process starts after this visit. In a process called osseointegration the implant and the jawbone fuse, providing the foundation for the implants. This process is not to be rushed as it could put the implant in danger. The patient should continue with their normal routine while waiting for this process to progress. The dentist will place the crown or bridge after the implant has fused with the jawbone.
Implants are treated the same as natural teeth. Cleanings, checkups and more are included. You have invested months in the implant procedure. Ask your dentist for the best routine to follow at home. This time and money should not be wasted because of a failed implant due to poor care.
Additional Procedures
You should speak with your dentist about what you need for an implant. Some patients may not have the necessary bone structure to support an implant. The dentist will perform a bone graft in this case to give the needed structure. Some patients require a sinuslift because the natural bone has deteriorated due to one or more upper teeth missing in the back. A ridge extension is also an option for those who have a jaw that’s too narrow to support dental implants. The dentist will determine if any of these procedures are required for the implant to work.
If you are missing one tooth or more, then dental implants may be the best option for you. Denture patients should consider implants, which offer many advantages over bridges. The cost of the implant is initially higher, but it lasts forever if the patient takes care of it. Every so often, dentures and bridges need to be replaced. Speak to your dentist about any concerns that you have. You need to choose a solution that you are comfortable with and will give you a beautiful smile again.
