As you grow older, your teeth wear down and may eventually fall out, but decay can also cause the teeth to come out. Missing teeth are not just a cosmetic issue because they can affect chewing, speech, and overall health. Furthermore, they can damage your dental structure by causing the surrounding teeth to shift to occupy the available spaces. It is crucial to your oral health to replace your teeth to preserve your teeth and improve your dental appearance. We have several teeth replacement solutions, like dental implants near you. Dental implants are posts that can replace a single tooth or multiple teeth.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are made of titanium, a strong metal to withstand the forces of chewing and biting.
The implants can replace any missing tooth, and they can also anchor dentures or bridges. The surgery can take place on an outpatient basis, meaning that it does not require a hospital stay.
Dental implants have many advantages over other alternatives for replacing missing teeth. Additionally, the risks involved with dental implants are minimal compared to other missing teeth replacement options.
Dental Implants vs. Bridges vs. Dentures; Why are Implants Better?
Dental implants are a great option for those who need a replacement for their lost teeth. They are the most natural-looking and feeling option available.
Implants can be used to replace individual or multiple teeth, and they will look like your natural teeth. Tooth implants also provide more stability than bridges and dentures because they are anchored into the jawbone.
Furthermore, they prevent bone loss, a common problem for people with missing teeth.
How Are Implants Fixed?
The process of getting dental implants in Waterdown, ON, involves a few steps spread across several months.
- Drilling and fixing of the implant
Our dentist in Waterdown, ON will begin with a comprehensive dental assessment to check if you are eligible for the implants. We will discuss the different types of dental implants, the procedure, and the risks involved.
The dentist will numb the gums and drill the jaw bone to fix the titanium screws. This process can take a couple of hours, and you may experience discomfort.
At times, bone grafting is done before the implants are fixed to replace the bone loss.
- Osseointegration
It takes a couple of months for the gums to heal and the bone to fuse to the implant. Osseointegration is a crucial part of the implant procedure because it provides an anchor for the artificial teeth. The body may reject the tooth implant if the implant and bone do not fuse, and the procedure will fail
- Placing of the abutment
An abutment serves as a base for the crown and should be strong enough to withstand chewing forces. The dentist in Waterdown, ON will open the gums to attach the connector and stitch the gums again.
- Fixing the dental crown
The final step is fixing the crown to the implant. The crowns can either be screwed or cemented in place.
What are the Advantages of Dental Implants?
Dental implants are for people looking for a long-term solution for their missing teeth. They offer several advantages over other options, including fixed bridgework and dentures.
Some of the advantages of these metal posts include:
- Implants are natural-looking because they are fixed on the bone and have a tooth-colored dental crown
- Implants help keep your jawbone strong because they don’t rely on your natural teeth to hold them in place.
- Dental implants prevent bone deterioration associated with missing teeth.
What Are the Risks of Dental Implants?
Dental implants are one of the most successful procedures in dentistry, but there are still risks associated with them.
Risks include:
- Infection: The implant can become infected if it is not properly cleaned or cared for after placement. Infections can lead to other complications such as bone loss, and you could require additional treatments.
- Failure: Implants that fail usually do so because they were not placed correctly or not cared for correctly afterward.
Schedule an Appointment
Visit Waterdown Smiles Dentistry for more information about dental implants and what to expect.
