Dental Implants
Dental Implants are a popular and effective treatment option for individuals who have lost one or more teeth due to injury, decay, or disease. They can be thought of as artificial tooth roots that are placed into the jawbone to support a prosthetic crown, bridge or other prosthetic appliance. Dental Implants have become increasingly popular over the years due to advances in technology, which have made the procedure more efficient and less expensive with faster recovery times. In this paper, we will discuss what dental implants are, the history and advances in technology, the implant surgery and prosthetic restoration that follows, and the advantages/disadvantages of dental implants.
Dental implants have been used for over 30 years and have become increasingly popular due to their high success rate and natural appearance. They are made of titanium, which is biocompatible, meaning it does not cause an allergic reaction or rejection by the body. The implant is placed into the jawbone at our office at Summit Dental, and then left to integrate with the bone over a period of several months. Once the implant has integrated with the bone, a prosthetic tooth or bridge can be attached to the implant, providing a stable and durable replacement for the missing tooth or teeth.
The implant surgery itself is typically performed under local anesthesia and involves making a small incision in the gum tissue to expose the jawbone. The implant is then placed into the bone and the gum tissue is sutured closed. The patient will typically experience some discomfort and swelling for a few days after the procedure but can return to normal activities within a week. As an example, for a single implant, your appointment should usually only take about 30-45 minutes.
After the implant has integrated with the bone, the prosthetic restoration can be attached to the implant. This can include a single crown for a single missing tooth or a bridge or denture for multiple missing teeth. The prosthetic restoration is custom-made to match the patient’s natural teeth in shape, size, and color, providing a natural-looking and functional replacement for the missing teeth.
The advantages of dental implants are numerous. They provide a long-lasting and durable solution for missing teeth that can last a lifetime with proper care. They also provide a stable and secure foundation for the prosthetic restoration, allowing patients to eat and speak with confidence. Additionally, dental implants can help to prevent bone loss in the jawbone that can occur when teeth are missing, preserving the structure and appearance of the face.
However, it is important to note that dental implants are not the only treatment option for missing teeth. Saving a natural tooth should always be the main effort of the dentist, and at Summit Dental, we will first try to save your tooth prior to proposing implant therapy. Implants are great, but nothing beats a natural tooth, and if anyone tells you otherwise, then be sure to go for a second opinion! If a natural tooth cannot be saved, then dental implants can be a great option for restoring the function and appearance of the missing tooth or teeth.
In conclusion, dental implants are a popular and effective treatment option for individuals with missing teeth. They provide a long-lasting and durable solution that can restore the function and appearance of the missing teeth. Advances in technology have made the implant procedure more efficient and less expensive, and the prosthetic restoration that follows can provide a natural-looking and functional replacement for the missing teeth. However, it is important to remember that dental implants are not the only treatment option, and saving a natural tooth should always be the main priority of the dentist.
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