Cavities and tooth decay are found in just about every person at some point in their adult life. And a huge chunk of the cases goes untreated. If that is the case for too long, those little dental hygiene issues transform into huge problems. The destruction can go as far as necessitating the removal of the tooth and an implant placed.
Implants are common but not often talked about. Below, we have created a comprehensive guide on implants to help you comprehend all there is to know about them.
What Are Implants?
Dental implants are long-term, permanent substitutes to bridges and dentures. The implant is a small titanium screw framework attached to the jawbone that holds the substitute tooth in place. It is a long-lasting technique for tooth replacement.
The implant serves as a man-made root on which a substitute crown is mounted. As time goes by, the jawbone structure slowly starts to merge with the implant. If you take proper care of them, implants can last a lifetime. The substitute tooth mounted on the screw is extremely secure, serves the same purpose as a natural tooth, and gives a natural look to your radiant smile.
If you ever experience any dental problem and need for implants, it is important that you seek treatment from only the Top Rated Dentist in UAE.
Important Benefits of Implants
Dental implants present fantastic benefits, which go beyond aesthetic enhancement. Implants can invigorate the quality of life that a person leads. Below, we have listed several benefits of implants, including:
1. Implants Last a Lifetime
Unlike bridges, veneers, and dentures, which are replaced every decade because of damage, they will last a lifetime if you properly care for the dental implants. The titanium screw amalgamates with the jawbone structure to make a fixed base, and the long-lasting crowns can tolerate any normal oral activity.
2. Implants Look Natural
Implants, when placed by a brilliant dentist, look so real. The whole procedure is tailored to restore the natural appearance of your smile. Thus making you feel and look like an improved version of yourself by the time the placement procedure is concluded.
3. Implants Protect Your Facial Bones and Oral Health
It is a benefit that many people do not know about. Besides enhancing your aesthetic appearance and reinstating the mouth’s functionality, implants also prevent jawbones from sinking.
Without a full set of teeth, the jawbone does not get the needed stimulation to maintain strength. As time goes by, an unstimulated jawbone gets weak and damaged to sustain a healthy jawbone structure. Implants curb this issue from unfolding and keep your jawbone strong.
Implants Versus Dentures For Seniors
Though dentures are a popular alternative for the aged demographic, they come with several demerits, including:
- Dentures are uncomfortable
- They are weak compared to implants
- They also demand constant replacement, which is a financial downside
- They can slip while eating or speaking
Though many older adults worry that their age might be too advanced for implant therapy, a thorough analysis is a way to know whether that’s truly the case.
Are Implants Right For You?
Implants are not suitable for everyone; hence, it is essential to know whether you meet the threshold for implant placement. Generally, the best candidates seek a tooth replacement solution, which is permanent and durable. They also possess the following attributes: adequate general health, healthy gums, and strong bone density.
1. General Health
There are many health factors, which could stop you from acquiring implants. Pregnant women, heavy smokers, children, and people using steroids do not qualify for implants. You can change your lifestyle to make implants a viable alternative as you seek lasting oral health.
2. Healthy Gums
Implants are mounted directly into the gum tissue; hence, healthy gums are important. If you happen to show signs of periodontitis, the doctor can suggest laser gum therapy to enhance your gum health and make implants a feasible alternative.
3. Adequate Bone Density
Strong bone density is as essential as healthy gum tissue during the implant procedure. Without adequate bone density, the titanium screw will not have anything to hold it in place. If you lack sufficient bone density, you have an option of undergoing bone grafting to regrow adequate bone for the implants.
Types Implants
- Regular Implants
Regular implants are durable, long-lasting solutions to missing teeth and eliminate the need for dentures. They are mounted into the jawbone. The process involves mounting titanium screws into the bone. Within several months, the bone bonds with the titanium screws, thus creating a foundation that anchors the tooth.
- Mini Implants
The mini implants system encompasses miniature titanium alloy implants, typically smaller than 3mm wide, and performs a root function. Your radiant smile can be reinstated in only one session using light sedation. If you are not qualified for conventional implants, it can be a great substitute for you.
- All-on-4 Implants
A groundbreaking technique of substituting a full set of teeth, all-on-4 employs four titanium implants to secure an entire dental bridge. The four implants heal faster than traditional implants. This method is an effective technique for patients who have endured bone loss from periodontal disease.
Conclusion
As someone that is getting implants, you should know that the first few days or weeks are going to get increasingly difficult. This is going to be especially true when it comes to swallowing your food and medicines. If you have trouble doing this, you need to go for a swallowing gel that can help you get through for the time being. Once you get used to the implants, then you are not going to have any major problems.
It is common for patients to prefer lower-cost alternatives like dentures and bridges, but they are short-term options. When you factor in replacement costs over the years, implants are more cost-effective in the long haul. Plus, strong implants can help maintain general dental health, thus enabling patients to dodge the costs linked to dental issues.
