Dental implants are modern replacement teeth that resemble natural teeth in appearance, structure, and function. They often contain a titanium root embedded into the jawbone to support the crown, bridge, or denture. People with missing, broken, or decaying teeth that are beyond repair can benefit from dental implants. However, some habits and conditions, i.e., heavy smoking, tooth grinding, osteoporosis, or diabetes, can deter you from being eligible for a dental implant. With appropriate care and maintenance, dental implants can last a lifetime. These implants allow you confidently speak and wear your beautiful smile always.
Types of dental implants
The main subdivisions of dental implants include endosteal, subperiosteal, and zygomatic implants. Endosteal is the safest and most popular implant method. It entails the placement of a screw-like structure inside the jawbone. A part of the implant protrudes through the gum to hold the artificial tooth. This method is ideal for people with a healthy jawbone. Subperiosteal implants can, however, accommodate those with jawbones that are weak or not healthy enough. It is characterized by surgically fixing a metal frame above the jawbone but beneath the gum tissue.
After the gum heals, the replacement teeth are mounted on the poles attached to the metal frame. This implant often has a shorter recovery period. Zygomatic implants are usually placed in the client's cheekbone instead of the jawbone. Its procedure is less complicated, and it often takes less time.
Advantages of dental implants
Dental implants have numerous benefits besides boosting your confidence and being long-lasting. Here's an overview of them.
Improves the bone structure
After a tooth loss, lack of stimulation often causes the jawbone under the gap to deteriorate. The bone volume decreases gradually after the loss, and the degeneration worsens over the years. Dental implants, however, stimulate natural bone growth. They provide tooth, and root replacements, which restore normal chewing, providing the stimulation the jawbone needs to develop. These replacements also allow you to speak more clearly.
Stabilizes adjacent teeth and maintains healthy gums
With a missing tooth, adjacent teeth tend to move toward the gap. These shifts distort their placement and appearance, affecting your chewing ability. The missing tooth's gap can also trap food particles and bacteria, resulting in gum disease. Dental implants seal the gaps, holding other teeth firmly in place and preventing the retention of bacteria, helping you retain healthy gums.
Enhances facial features
Bone deterioration after a tooth loss can result in facial sagging. The reduction in jawbone height often results in excess wrinkles around the mouth, thinning lips, and a pointed chin, making one appear older. Dental implants improve your appearance by improving the jawbone's structure, preventing early aging.
Conclusion
Dental implants are essential; they help you maintain stable teeth, healthy gums, and bones after a tooth loss. They also enhance your appearance, making you more confident. Contact a dental implant provider to learn more about the process and receive appropriate services.