Dental care has made incredible leaps and bounds over the last century, with treatments for cavities and common tooth problems becoming much more accessible. Overall, Canadians’ oral health state has significantly improved; citizens have enjoyed a significant decrease in dental decay levels over the past 40 years. However, thousands of Canadians still suffer from tooth loss. With technological advances, there are better and more effective ways to treat missing teeth.
One of these is dental implants. This treatment option is a natural way to improve the appearance of your teeth while providing more comfort. It’s a great alternative to bridges and dentures, as they look and feel better. Here’s what you need to know about dental implants:
What Are They?
Dental implants are devices that replace tooth roots. They offer a robust and solid foundation for fixed or permanent teeth or removable replacement teeth. These are made to look natural, so they match the appearance of your teeth.
What Are Their Advantages?
Dental implants come with numerous benefits. They’re designed to look and feel like real teeth, meaning they feel much more comfortable than dentures. They’re also made to fuse with bone, which makes them permanent.
They also help you speak more naturally since they’re permanently fixed in your mouth. Dentures, especially poor-fitting ones, can cause the teeth to move around, making you mumble or slur. With dental implants, you’ll have the confidence to speak without worrying about speech issues.
These implants also make it easier to eat since they function like natural teeth. After you’ve fully recovered, you won’t feel any pain from removable teeth digging into your gums. Implants are much more durable and convenient, which addresses all the issues associated with dentures.
Are They Successful?
Dental implants generally have a high success rate of up to 98 percent. This can vary, mainly depending on the placement of the implant on the jaw. With comprehensive and proper care, dental implants are durable enough to last a lifetime.
Who Can Get Implants?
Fortunately, anyone who is healthy enough to be fit for oral surgery or a regular dental extraction can qualify for dental implants. Patients must have gums in good health while also having enough bone to fuse with the implant. They must also be ready to practice good oral hygiene regularly and visit the dentist more frequently.
However, heavy smokers or patients with chronic disorders like diabetes or heart disease must be further evaluated before assessing their suitability for a dental implant. Patients who have undergone radiation therapy to the head or neck area must also be evaluated separately.
What Are The Steps to Getting A Dental Implant?
The first step to getting a dental implant is to develop an individualized treatment plan that addresses your dental needs. It’s prepared by a team of dental professionals who have the knowledge and expertise to determine the best implant option for you.
After the plan is finalized, the tooth root implant, made of titanium, is then installed in your missing tooth’s bone socket. The jawbone will heal around the implant, which will secure it into the jaw. The healing process usually spans six to twelve weeks.
Once the metal implant has fused with the jawbone, a small connector post called an abutment is attached to further secure the implant. Your dentist will then create impressions of your teeth and design a bite model, which is a mould of your teeth, the arrangement, and their type. This model is based on your replacement tooth, called a crown, which is attached to the abutment.
Your new tooth will match the colour and appearance of your teeth, making it look natural. It will feel and function just like the rest of your teeth.
How Do I Care For A Dental Implant?
Like regular teeth, dental implants require regular brushing, flossing, and rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash. They also need frequent visits to the dentist to make sure everything is in good working order.
Conclusion
Dental implants are an excellent way to restore the appearance and function of your teeth. They’re permanent fixtures that look, feel, and act like your regular teeth. They’re reasonably simple to care for, making them an accessible and stress-free option. With this guide, you can now consider dental implants as a treatment for tooth loss.
Looking for dentists in Markham that can help you with dental implants? Let us know at Markham Dental! We are a team of multilingual dental professionals that provide a wide range of dental services. New patients, emergencies, and walk-ins are more than welcome. Get in touch with us today to see how we can help!