5 Things to Know About Dental Implants

Before dental implants were around, bridges and dentures were the only tooth-replacement solutions. While these prosthetics do replace lost real teeth with functional artificial ones, they come with some disadvantages like the rigorous maintenance requirements and some discomfort.

Dental implants are now taking over as the most popular way to replace missing teeth. These prosthetics go way beyond merely replacing lost teeth. They also replace their roots, ensuring the patient's jawbone gets the stimulation it needs to remain healthy. This is a considerable benefit since dentures and bridges do not address the bone tissue loss that typically takes place when a person loses a tooth. The jawbone no longer gets the stimulation it needs, so it begins to break down since it is no longer being used. This typically leads to wrinkles appearing around the person's mouth as their face becomes sunken.

About dental implants

Dental implants consist of two main parts: a screw or rod that is inserted into the patient's jawbone and a crown that is placed on the implant. When the wearer bites down on something, some of the force used is transferred to the jawbone. This stimulates the bone tissue in the area the same way a real tooth does. Implants can also be used to support dentures and bridges.

Who is eligible for implants?

The dentist will evaluate the patient before installing implants. The person needs to have enough jawbone tissue to hold the prosthetic in place. Other requirements for getting implants include:

• The patient must be healthy enough for minor oral surgery
• The patient should not have chronic health conditions like diabetes and heart disease
• The patient should not have any health issues that will hinder healing
• The patient should be ready to quit smoking tobacco

During the assessment, the dentist will examine the patient and ask them questions about their medical history. If the patient does not have the bone tissue needed for implant installation, a bone graft may be performed. It takes about three months to heal from a bone graft. That can increase the time it takes for such a patient to get implants to nine months.

5 Facts you should know about dental implants

Here are some other essential facts that anyone who is thinking about implants should consider:

1. Implants have a 98% success rate

The odds of something going wrong during and after implant installation are really low. Factors that affect this success rate include the patient's health, the location of the prosthetic and how experienced the doctor is at installing implants.

2. Looks and feel real

Implants are very similar to real teeth, so they look and feel natural in the wearer's mouth. They are designed to match the patient's real teeth, so they do not look out of place.

3. No maintenance needed

With implants, there is no need to spend 20 minutes cleaning the prosthetic each night. That is something people who use dentures or bridges cannot say.

Restore your smile today

Are you currently in need of dental implants? We invite you to contact our clinic today to learn how dental implants and other prosthetics can be used to replace your missing teeth.

Request an appointment here: https://sandimassedation.com or call San Dimas Family and Sedation Dentistry at (909) 740-8294 for an appointment in our San Dimas office.

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