Have you recently lost one or more teeth? Perhaps you have rotting teeth or gaps and are considering getting implants? Do you feel self-conscious about smiling because of gaps in your teeth? Dental implants are a great alternative to dentures, and they can be used to replace missing teeth.
If you're missing one or more teeth and are interested in finding out more about getting implants, don't hesitate to contact Dr. Keith Bram today. Located in Elgin, IL, Dr. Bram works for Pro Dental Care, a practice that specializes in implant dentistry.
Dental implants will give you a replacement tooth, which looks and feels just like a real tooth. Implants are hard wearing and can last up to thirty years. This article will help you decide if implant dentistry is right for you.
What Are Dental Implants?
During implant dentistry, an artificial tooth is surgically fitted into your mouth, to replace a lost tooth. The implant is made from titanium and ceramic, which looks like a bone. The implant materials are compatible with the bone of your jaw and will fuse with your bone.
There are two main types of dental implants. Endosteal implants are the most common. This type of implant is fitted directly into the bone of your jaw. A subperiosteal implant is attached to the bone and is commonly used for patients who are unable to wear traditional dentures.
Advantages Of Dental Implants
Dental implants are becoming very common. According to records kept by the American Dental Association (ADA), around 5.5 million implants are fitted each year by dentists in the U.S alone. Implants are so popular because once they're installed, they won't slip or move around, like a set of dentures often does. Implants are as stable as natural teeth. Implants are straightforward to clean and can be cleaned along with your natural teeth. You won't have to take them out at night to soak them.
Implants don't rely on the teeth next to them for support; this is great as it means that the tooth structure isn't lost. Tooth structure is needed when fabricating a bridge. Getting implants will also stop neighboring teeth from shifting; this will help to preserve your jawbone and will also keep the contours of your face as it is.
Having implants may also help improve your self-confidence as they are an ideal cosmetic solution. Many people feel subconscious about gaps in their teeth. Getting implants will allow you to talk, smile, and eat comfortably. Your teeth will look so natural that no one will even know that they're implants.
Are Implants Right For You?
Before you get implants, your dentist will need to make an assessment of your gum health and also the depth and density of your jaw. You'll need to be in good physical health and have a healthy jaw that can support an implant. If the bone height of your jaw is not adequate, you could still get dental implants. In this case, your jawbone would need to be built-up, before the dental implants could be fitted.
Patients who suffer from diseases such as diabetes or leukemia may not be suitable for implants as these illnesses could affect the healing process. It's also worth noting that smokers are twice as likely to lose their implants as this also affects the healing process. Therefore, if you're a smoker and are planning to get more then one dental implant, it may be a good idea to quit smoking first.
