Removable dentures were the popular method for replacing missing or decayed teeth in the past. Now dental implants give you a more efficient, comfortable and permanent solution. Dental implants are a safe and approved method of tooth replacement.
Dentures are removable teeth that are designed to fit on top of your gums. But they have been known to slide off or pinch the wearer, making the day to day experience less than ideal. Occasionally, this makes it difficult for the wearer to talk clearly or to even eat certain food. They also are prone to wear and tear, and can move in the mouth, causing sores and ulcers.
With dental implants, you don’t have to worry about these problems. A dental implant acts just like your regular tooth root and holds one or more teeth fixed in their spots permanently. The dental care required for implants and tooth replacements is not intensive, you just have to follow good oral hygiene practices to keep your gums, implants and remaining teeth healthy.
What exactly are dental implants and why would you get them?
Dental implants are made of biocompatible titanium. The implant can be fixed in place of the missing or removed tooth root. It is inserted in your jaw and fuses with the bone, acting as a firm anchor for one or more replacement teeth. With the right care, there is no reason why it cannot last for many decades. A dental implant offers a number of benefits including preventing the loss of jawbone. At Dental Artistry, we enjoy one of the highest success rates with this method.
What are the benefits of dental implants?
Tooth loss can impact a person’s life significantly, from affecting your self-confidence to causing pain and difficulty while carrying out even the basic functions of life like eating a meal. So, whether you are getting a single tooth replaced or multiple teeth, it will certainly improve your quality of life.
Positive impact on jawbone density:When a tooth falls out or a damaged tooth is removed, it leaves behind a hollow cavity. The area of bone that used to support the tooth will degenerate with time and if neglected, can sometimes recede permanently. As there is nothing left to sustain it, the thickness of the bone reduces, and this can cause an altered appearance. Instead of leaving the gap in the jaw, having an expert dental therapist install an implant will reinforce the area and prevent the bone from degenerating. It is important to keep the bone strong as reduced bone density can increase the risk of breakage.
Keep gum disease at bay:If the hollow left by the missing tooth is left as is, it is the ideal site for bacteria to breed. This will lead to gum disease which brings with it a host of other health issues. Gum disease is much more serious than most people think. Not only does it affect your teeth, but it can also increase your risk of stroke, diabetes and heart attacks. Filling this void with an implant can help prevent this. You should also keep up healthy dental hygiene practices to ensure long term good oral health.
Leaves other teeth intact:Installation of a bridge or denture can sometimes affect some of the adjacent natural teeth, which are used as support. But with dental implants, you don’t have to worry about this. All your healthy teeth can remain where they are. An implant for a single tooth or multiple teeth can be inserted without disturbing your healthy teeth.
Permanent solution without risk of tooth decay:Since the implant as well as the replacement for your teeth are made of artificial material, they will not decay. You do have to keep up regular oral hygiene practices to keep your gums healthy (as the gums keep the implants secure). But the tooth and implant itself are not vulnerable to decay.
Who is eligible for dental implants?
Most adults who are eligible for regular dental surgery should be eligible for this procedure as well. For successful implant surgery, one must have strong, healthy gums as well as good bone density in that area. Those who are interested in learning more about the eligibility criteria for this procedure can contact Dental Artistry directly to chat about their options.
A child or a teenager is not advised dental implants treatment as their teeth have many years of changes to go through. But they can consider this option after the age of 18. However, do call us for advice and regular health check-ups so you can maintain your child’s oral health.
Remember that as per the Ministry of Health, children and adolescents are eligible for a range of free dental care via community dental services. To learn which oral health services children can take advantage, call 09 524 4541 or contact Dental Artistry.