Missing teeth are essential to replace. They impact not only the aesthetics of your mouth but also your oral and overall health. Missing teeth can be replaced with dental implants. Dental implants provide the best and permanent solution for missing teeth. Dental implants are titanium posts that are surgically installed in the jawbone and act as roots for missing teeth. Once in position, they are attached to replacement teeth in the form of crowns, bridges, or dentures.
How are dental implants placed?
Dental implants can be easily placed in six simple steps.
Step 1: Consultation
During the initial consultation, your dentist will perform a comprehensive oral and overall health examination. This is done to evaluate your eligibility to receive dental implants. You need to meet certain criteria to become eligible to receive successful dental implant treatment.
- You should be good overall and have oral health.
- You should not be pregnant.
- TMJ disorder
- You should have good jawbone density and depth. Patients with low jawbone density undergo bone grafting surgery to improve their chances of receiving dental implants.
Step 2: Site preparation and dental implant placement
First, your dentist will numb the target area using general anesthesia. Next, an incision will be made in the gums, and a hole will be drilled in the underlying jawbone. Then, the dental implant will be installed in place, and the gums will be sutured back. Finally, a temporary dental restoration like a crown will be attached to the implant to restore the tooth’s functionality.
The surgical site is allowed to heal for 4-6 months. During this period, the implant fuses with the surrounding bone and becomes an integral part of it. This process is called osseointegration and is responsible for the sturdiness and stability of the dental implant.
Step 3: Placement of the final restoration
After the dental implant has successfully fused with the surrounding bone and become an integral part of the human body, you will return to your dentist’s office for final restoration, i.e., a dental crown. The temporary dental crown that was placed over the abutment to preserve the implant’s health is removed during this visit and replaced with a customized dental crown. This crown mimics the color and size of the natural teeth, making it a perfect choice to restore the missing tooth.
What are the advantages of dental implants over other dental restorations?
Today, restorative dentistry provides numerous options when it comes to choosing a restorative treatment that can successfully replace missing teeth. However, dental implants provide the best solution for replacing missing teeth and have various advantages over other dental restoration techniques. The table below illustrates the difference between dental implants and other dental restorations and highlights the benefits of dental implants. Based on your unique requirements, your dentist will provide you with the best choice of treatment.
| S.No | Parameter | Dental Implants | Other Dental Restorations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Replace both the crown and roots of the missing teeth. | √ | |
| 2 | Surgically positioned in the jawbone, which provides for strong anchoring. | √ | |
| 3 | Prevent bone recession by providing the required stimulation. | √ | |
| 4 | Appear, feel, and operate like natural teeth. | √ | |
| 5 | Custom-made according to patients’ unique requirements. | √ | √ |
| 6 | Restore bite force and allow you to chew with the same force as natural teeth. | √ | |
| 7 | Do not move or slip out of place. | √ | |
| 8 | Support the facial contour by providing strong support. | √ | |
| 9 | Preserve the underlying bone and make you look youthful. | √ | |
| 10 | Do not cause any speech impairments. | √ | |
| 11 | Require regular fitting and adjustment. | √ | |
| 12 | Boost your self-esteem and confidence. | √ | √ |
| 13 | Not susceptible to decay and cavities. | √ | |
| 14 | Easy to care for and maintain. | √ | |
| 15 | Extremely durable and last a lifetime. | √ | |
| 16 | More comfortable. | √ | |
| 17 | Support the neighboring teeth. | √ |
We at Inspire Smiles Dental employ the most advanced technology to treat dental ailments with great care and precision. Our entire team is immensely dedicated to looking after our patients’ needs with exceptional compassion and caution. Whether you are looking for dental restorations or cosmetic enhancements, Inspire Smiles Dental is a one-stop for all your dental issues and ailments. Book an appointment with us at (925) 833-9500 or visit our office in 7739 Amador Valley Blvd, Dublin, CA 94568.