It is true that a smile is a language universally understood by everyone. A great smile is always complemented by a perfect set of teeth. This is one of the reasons why we visit a dental implants clinic by the droves.
Loss of teeth can be very demeaning to our self-esteem and health. We become conscious about what other people think of us and even find it difficult to enjoy the foods we like. Fortunately, we can easily make the problem go away with dental implants.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial teeth used to replace damaged or missing natural teeth. The implants are held to the jaw by screw-like metal posts as a permanent dental solution. Dental implants are a great alternative if you do not wish to wear removable dentures.
There are several different types of dental implants available today. The ones you choose will depend on whether you are doing a full or partial teeth restoration procedure.
Single Tooth Implants
Single tooth implants replace one missing tooth under the condition that adjacent teeth are healthy. There are many options for replacing a missing tooth, but a single tooth implant is the most non-invasive. This solution is recommended for anyone with a chipped, cracked, or decaying tooth. Your dentist would also recommend this option if you lost a missing tooth and have been looking to replace it.
The artificial tooth is held down to the jaw using titanium metal. Titanium is strong and adheres to bone longer without the need of support from adjacent teeth. The artificial tooth is made from porcelain which resembles real teeth and can also be painted to match the color profile of your teeth.
Multiple Tooth Implants
A dental implants clinic would recommend multiple tooth implants if more than one tooth is being replaced and the adjacent teeth are perfectly healthy. Similarly, a series of teeth are replaced without the need of support from adjacent teeth. This not only ensures your other teeth are not affected but it also preserves the integrity of your jaw bone.
Full Jaw All-on-4 Dental Implants
All-on-4 implants are recommended where an entire set of teeth are being replaced—whether it’s the upper or lower jaw. One advantage of this procedure is that no prior grafting is needed and you only require few implant placements. Full jaw all-on-4 implants are recommended for persons with poor oral health like multiple decayed teeth or a damaged jaw due to an accident.
The Process of Dental Implant Surgery
First, the dentist makes an incision into the gum to expose the jaw bone. Holes are then drilled into the bone where the screws will go to hold the implant base or abutment. The bone is then left to heal and grow to strengthen the implant base. Afterward, the dentist will start attaching the implants on the abutment. The procedure is quicker for single dental implants but longer for multiple dental implants.
You may suffer a few post-surgery side effects like swelling of the jaw, minor bleeding, numbness, or bruising on the gum. However, all this wears off with time.
Bottom-line
Dental implant services offer a non-invasive way of replacing missing or damaged teeth. Visiting a local dental implants clinic is the first step of your journey to restoring your natural smile.