Tooth Loss and Dental Implants

Losing a tooth is no fun, whether it's due to injury, medical problems, or just bad luck. If you've lost a tooth, one of the most functional and durable options for replacement is a dental implant. Dental implants are artificial teeth used by dentists to replace missing teeth.

Tooth Loss

Teeth can be lost for many reasons including decay, root canal failure, excessive wear and tear and congenital defects. If you've lost a tooth, you may find yourself feeling self conscious about your smile or its affects on your speech. Missing teeth can also cause problems with your bite and capability to chew comfortably.

While bridges and dentures are great options for replacing missing teeth, dental implants have the advantage of strength and durability. Implants are a permanent solution. They can be used alone or in conjunction with other treatments like bridges to provide the maximum benefits for your mouth.

Unlike a bridge, dental implants generally do not require any reshaping of the surrounding teeth. Dental implants also integrate into the structure of your jaw. There is no worry of bone loss or gum recession, which can occur with bridgework and dentures.

When are Dental Implants Beneficial?

Dental implants are not for everyone. A good candidate for dental implants will be in good health with healthy gums. Your dentist will evaluate your bone structure to make sure that there is enough healthy bone to anchor the implant in your jaw.

If you're looking into a dental implant, you must be committed to taking consistently good care of your mouth. Daily brushing and flossing, as well as regular dental checkups, are vital.

Though most adults are good candidates for dental implants, there are some cases in which they might not be the best option. If you are a smoker, that can impede health in your mouth and reduce the likelihood of a successful implant. People with uncontrolled chronic diseases or diabetes may not be good candidates due to healing problems of the gum tissue affected by the surgery.

Preparing for and Receiving Dental Implants

If you and your dentist have decided that an implant is the best option, the first step will be preparing your jaw for the implant. In general, there are several parties involved. In addition to a general dentist, you may need a restorative dentist to make the crown, and an oral and maxillofacial surgeon will perform the surgical procedure to place the implant.

Dental implants are generally made up of a titanium material screw that is fixed in your jaw, and a crown on top. In order to place the implant, the oral surgeon will drill a small pilot hole into your jaw where the tooth is missing.

After the hole has been drilled, it is slowly widened to allow the implant screw to be placed. Once the screw has been placed, a protective cover will be placed on top. The implant will need time to anchor, and for osseointegration to occur. Osseointegration is the process that occurs when the bone in your jaw is allowed to grow around and anchor the implant.

Once the site has healed, which generally takes three to six months, the protective cover is removed and a temporary crown is placed. The crown allows the gums to grow and shape themselves around the implant the same way they would around a natural tooth.

The last step is removing the temporary crown and replacing it with a permanent crown. Once the crown is in place your dental implant will look and feel like a natural tooth.

Success Rate of Dental Implants

Dental implants are one of the most successful procedures dentists perform. The success rates are as high as 90% for upper jaw implants and 95% for lower jaw implants.

The most common reason that dental implants do not succeed is when the osseointegration process does not work. This can happen for several reasons, including bad positioning of the implant or poor healing. Like natural teeth, implants can break or become infected, so good oral health and hygiene is important.

If you have a missing tooth, the greatest benefit for your mouth can be found by replacing it as soon as possible. Asking your dentist about dental implants is a great place to start.