Our teeth are one of the most important components of our body. They help us eat, speak, and smile confidently. So, they are directly linked with our oral health and physical wellbeing. But, what if someone loses one of their natural teeth? Obviously, it will affect their ability to eat and speak and also can impact their smile and facial aesthetics. If you have also lost one or more natural teeth and they are affecting your smile and self-confidence, you should get them replaced immediately.
But, what is the best replacement option for missing teeth, you might ask? Well, currently, the most durable, aesthetically and optimally functional tooth replacement option is dental implants. So, in this article, we will inform our readers about dental implants and how they can help you regain your smile and the ability to eat and speak without difficulty. So, read on!
What Is A Dental Implant And How Is It Helpful?
According to the Association of Dental Implantology, an implant is a screw-shaped, small fixture made of titanium or zirconium, which is embedded into the jawbone and it serves as a replacement for the natural tooth root. Over time, when the implant becomes firmly anchored within the bone, your dentist will then attach a suitable prosthesis over it, depending on the number of the missing teeth, to complete the artificial tooth structure. Dental implants have become the most sought-after tooth replacement option owing to their durability, strength, lifelike aesthetics, and their biocompatibility.
What Are The Types Of Teeth Implants?
There are different types of tooth implants available for tooth replacement. Based on their size, there are two types: conventional and mini-implants. Conventional implants are used for replacing missing teeth. They consist of three components:
- the implant itself
- an abutment
- a prosthesis
The abutment connects the prosthesis with the implant. On the other hand, mini-implants have the same design as conventional implants. However, they are considerably shorter in length. They are used in cases where there is insufficient vertical space available for placing longer implants. Mini-implants are also used as anchors for performing complex orthodontic tooth movements.
How Do Teeth Implants Work?
The principle behind functioning of an implant is their ability to anchor themselves within the jawbone. Titanium-based implants have the unique ability to promote bone formation around them, which allows them to form an intimate contact with the surrounding bone tissue. As a result, they become firmly embedded within the bone and can firmly support the artificial teeth attached to them. This phenomenon is known as osseointegration and it forms the basis of implant functioning.
Are Dental Implants Expensive?
Dental implants are made of high-quality titanium or zirconium. As a result, their cost is considerably greater than other tooth replacement options like bridges and dentures. However, their long clinical service life, safety, and excellent aesthetics, this initial treatment cost actually proves to be a very small price to pay in the long run.
Will Dental Implants Rust?
Both titanium- and zirconia-based implants are highly inert and do not undergo rust or chemical changes. This is also the reason why dental implants are extremely safe for use in the oral cavity: they do not leach harmful materials that may cause untoward or toxic reactions in the body. So, the short answer is: no, dental implants do not rust or degrade.
Are Dental Implants Noticeable?
As discussed earlier, an implant is a screw-shaped structure that functions as a replacement root of an artificial tooth. Hence, an implant is embedded into the jawbone and usually is not visible. However, in some implants, the a very thin collar of the alloy may be visible when the implant abutment has to be placed above the gumline. But, this thin collar does not significantly affect the facial aesthetics. In the other cases, the implant substructure is entirely embedded within the bone and soft tissues and is completely invisible; only the prosthesis, such as the crown or the bridge, is visible.
How Painful Is The Dental Implant Procedure?
The placement of dental implants is a surgical procedure. Many patients may think that implant surgery would be very painful. However, this is not the case. Why? Because your dentist will administer local anaesthesia to ensure that you remain pain-free throughout the procedure. Also, if multiple implant procedures are to be performed in a single sitting, or the case of anxious or uncooperative patients, your dentist may consider performing the procedure under sedation or general anaesthesia. So, the dental implant procedure is not painful at all.
Can You Bite Into Food With Dental Implants?
Immediately after the placement of dental implants, your dentist will place a healing cap over them to ensure uninterrupted healing, and optimal osseointegration. Furthermore, they will also place temporary restorations over the newly-placed implants to restore the aesthetics. However, these temporary prostheses should not be used for chewing as it may affect the implant’s anchorage within the bone. Once the implant site has healed completely, your dentist will replace the temporary restorations with permanent ones, which can be safely used to enjoy all your favourite foods.
The most crucial factor when replacing your missing teeth with dental implants is choosing a highly skilled and experienced dentist. Why? Because implant placement requires excellent surgical skills and detailed treatment planning. So, the more experienced your dentist is, the longer you can expect your implant-supported teeth to last.
If you are looking for an implant dentist in Chingford, then Chingford Mount Dental Practice is the solution to all your dental problems. We provide all dental services at affordable rates, and in a relaxing environment to our esteemed patients. So, request a virtual WhatsApp or new patient appointment today and take your first step towards your dream smile!
