Dental implants
It's been said that laughter is the best medicine, but sometimes a smile is all it takes. Studies show that a smile on the face can ease anxiety, strengthen relationships and even reduce the risk of heart disease.
Once you pass the age where you believe in the tooth fairy, losing a tooth is no longer fun or beneficial for most. With this in mind, some of us simply accept tooth loss as an inevitable process of growing older, but some people seek tooth replacement options. If you are missing one or more teeth in the back of your mouth, you may think that it is not a big problem because they are not visible when you smile, but ignoring missing teeth can cause other dental problems.
Dental implants are a great option for tooth replacement. If you have decided that dental implants are right for you, but are afraid of the procedure, here are some tips that can help you prepare yourself mentally.
What is a dental implant?
Dental implants are undoubtedly the best replacement for your natural teeth. Just like a tooth, a dental implant consists of two parts: a root, which lies under the gum line, and a visible tooth, which can be seen above it. While a natural tooth is made of enamel, a dental implant consists of a titanium base buried under the gums and a porcelain crown over the gums that matches the color of your natural teeth.
What does a dental implant involve?
Implant components include:
- Root form - A helical fastener, usually made of titanium
- Abutment - A connector that is attached to the top of the implant
- Restoration - A dental crown attached to the connector, which replaces the part of the tooth above the gingival margin
Dental implants replace missing teeth and support dentures.
How much does a dental implant cost?
The cost of implant treatment varies greatly. As a rule, the cost of dental implants increases depending on the effort involved, with individual gaps being the simplest and entire jaws the most complex. As a rough guide, the cost per dental implant can range from 2500 CHF to 5500 CHF. This depends on the number of implants, the area of the teeth and the planned restoration. For an exact cost and treatment planning, you will need X-rays as well as clarification of health aspects. Initial consultations are usually offered free of charge.
Are dental implants safe?
Dental implants have a long, well-documented track record. Most implant roots are made of titanium. Your jawbone fuses with the biocompatible "root" in a process called osseointegration. Although titanium allergies are rare, metal-free zirconia implants are available if you have a metal allergy or sensitivity, or prefer an alternative to titanium.
What is the success rate of dental implants?
The July 2014 issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association published research showing that dental implants have a 95 % success rate. The researchers based their findings on a study that evaluated the results of dental implants placed by specialists over a period of three to five years.
What are the advantages of dental implants?
The advantages of dental implants are many:
Imitation of the natural teeth - Implants have the same structure as natural teeth. People will not notice your dental implants - only your smile.
Improving the quality of life - No other form of tooth replacement feels or works better. You can eat and speak with ease and smile with confidence.
Prevention of jawbone atrophy - Implants stimulate the jawbone and help prevent the bone loss that occurs when teeth are missing.
Prevent premature sagging of the face - Preserving your jawline supports your facial muscles and prevents them from sagging and making you look prematurely older.
What are the disadvantages of dental implants?
They are not a quick solution to replace missing teeth. The surgical procedure, bone grafting if needed, and the healing process take time. And implants cost more than other forms of tooth replacement, but they also last much longer.
How do dental implants compare to other types of tooth replacement?
Dental implants, a dental bridge, a partial denture and a full denture all replace missing teeth. But how do they compare?
Dental implants - An oral surgeon anchors an artificial tooth root in your jawbone. Unlike a partial denture or dental bridge, your neighboring teeth are not affected.
Dental bridge - A series of dental crowns fused to the sides replace one tooth or two or more missing teeth in a row. The replacement teeth are in the center of the bridge, and the crown at each end covers a natural tooth to anchor the bridge. However, your dentist must grind down the healthy structure of the anchor teeth. Otherwise, the crowns will not fit on the teeth.
Partial denture - A replacement tooth is embedded in a gum-colored base. The metal or plastic clasps at the ends of the partial denture are hooked onto the teeth next to the missing tooth.
Full denture - A full denture replaces an arch of upper or lower teeth. The upper denture is attached using suction cups, while the lower denture rests on the gums.
A fixed bridge or partial denture is less expensive than a dental implant, but studies show that teeth adjacent to the denture can fall out by as much as 30 % within five to seven years.
What if my body rejects the implants?
It is rare for a patient's body to reject dental implants because titanium is biocompatible and the jawbone easily grows together with it. However, if you are allergic or sensitive to titanium, you can also get metal-free zirconia implants. If you practice careful oral hygiene and keep your follow-up appointments, you will create a healthy environment for the success of your implants.[1]
Am I a suitable candidate for dental implants?
Most people, with the exception of children whose jawbone is still growing and developing, are candidates for dental implants. However, your oral surgeon will perform an examination to determine if you are a candidate. Thanks to advanced dental implant technology, careful follow-up care and regular follow-up appointments, most patients can receive implants even if they already have health problems.
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[1] Central Florida, Oral and Facial Surgery. Source: https://www.centralfloridaoralsurgery.com/every-single-question-youll-want-to-ask-before-getting-dental-implants/
