Today’s Dental Implants and Dental Care
Since ancient times, people have always made special efforts to replace missing teeth, for both practical and cosmetic purposes. Today, dentists have perfected a number of techniques for accomplishing this goal, with dental implants being at the top of that list. Teeth can be lost for a number of reasons: gum disease, accidents, and decay.
The relatively recent emphasis on preventative dental care has meant that there has been a reduction in gum diseases and decay. Still, though, there are millions of individuals who live with incomplete sets of teeth. For those people, dental implants can allow them to reach their best level of dental health, and enjoy their best smile.
There are many different kinds of dental implants, coming in a range of shapes and sizes, depending on the kind of tooth they are to replace, what they’re made of, and their specific design. The three most common types of dental implants are “subperiosteal” – meaning that they consist of both a blade and a root, and must be surgically attached.
These implants are used most frequently on the lower jaw and are placed on the bone – they’re the oldest type of implant that exists today. The blade consists of a flat piece of metal which is placed in the bone itself.
The most frequently used dental implant is the root form implant, with a conical shape, and can be either threaded or non-threaded, and may or may not be coated with a special material.
Of course, missing teeth aren’t the only reason that some people may choose dental implants. Dentists can also replace single crowns, bridges, and complete sets of teeth with implants.
Traditionally, a dental implant will require two surgical procedures. The first procedure places the dental implant fixture onto the bone. Once this is complete, there is a “rest” period of about 4 to 6 months to allow the area to properly and fully heal. This healing process allows the bone to actually grow in around the implant and onto the surface of the implant, so that it is securely embedded (this process is called osseointegration).
Once osseointegration has been achieved, the second procedure can be done, where it is uncovered and the tooth replacement itself is fitted.
These dental implant procedures are surprisingly pain-free and easy, and allow patients to smile, chew, and function with greater confidence, and not suffer from embarrassment anymore. The new freedom they experience provides a whole new outlook on life.
