Despite the developments that dental care has seen in the last couple of decades, teeth loss is still a common dental issue in the US. It results from issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, and even trauma. Traditionally, dental bridges and dentures were the main ways of treating people with missing teeth. Unfortunately, these methods are usually associated with a number of demerits. For instance, they look and feel unnatural, and this can affect a patient’s ability to perform basic day-to-day tasks such as chewing and speaking. This is why dental implants in Emerson come in handy.
Below are some important things you should know about dental implants:
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of titanium. They are surgically inserted into the jawbones with the aim of replacing the roots of the natural teeth. The artificial replacement may then be attached to these implants. In other words, the titanium implants work as the anchors that hold the replacement teeth in position.
What the Procedure Entails
The procedure of getting a dental implant is usually a three-part process that can take several months. Your family dentist may perform the procedure, or you may be referred to a periodontist, a prosthodontist, or an oral surgeon. The first step involves placing the titanium implant on the jawbone. A screw is inserted into the implant to ensure that debris and gum tissues do not get in. Then the surgeon will secure the gum over the implant where it has to remain covered for about six months as it fuses with the bone. Some pain after the surgery is normal, and it can be treated with pain medication.
The second step begins after about six months, and it involves uncovering the implant and attaching an extension known as “post” to the implant. Once the gum tissues around the post have healed, the implant and the post will serve as the foundations of the replacement tooth.
In the final step, the dentist will make a custom artificial tooth, also known as a dental crown, with exactly the same size and shape as the missing tooth. The crown is then attached to the post.
The Procedure’s Success Rate
All surgical operations involve the risk of failure. However, dental implants are highly successful, with a success rate of between 75 percent and 95 percent. The success of the procedure largely depends on a patient’s oral hygiene and how healthy the jaw bone is. The success rate is generally lower among patients who smoke.
The Bottom Line
Overall, it is apparent that dental implants are an excellent way of replacing missing teeth. Implants are great because they are durable and they look and feel like natural teeth. Therefore, if you have lost one or several teeth, the best way for you to replace them is by going in for dental implants. If you are looking for a reliable dentist who is experienced in dental implants, Emerson Dental Arts is an excellent dental facility to visit.