Dental implants are well-known as today's premier replacements for missing or damaged teeth. Since dental implants replace the crown and root system, they preserve oral health and provide long-lasting wear.
Implants have restorative and cosmetic benefits and can boost a patient's self-confidence. Here are the four most significant advantages of dental implants:
1. Excellent Chewing Ability
With dental implants, patients can eat nearly anything they want. Steak, apples, and corn on the cob present no problems. Patients no longer have to chew around broken or missing teeth.
2. Easy Care
Single-tooth dental implants require the same care as healthy teeth. Brushing, flossing, and regularly visiting the family dentist are usually enough to maintain dental implants. Patients need to keep their gums in good condition to prevent implant problems.
3. Attractive Appearance
Dental implants allow patients to smile, laugh, and talk without being uncomfortable with their teeth. After years of living with a gap, a complete smile is something to treasure.
4. Improved Oral Health
A gap between teeth often collects food and plaque. This debris can make oral hygiene challenging. When oral health suffers, patients experience gum disease and decay.
In addition to oral hygiene benefits, dental implants also encourage the jawbone to retain mass. When the empty socket begins to break down due to a lack of chewing stimulation, patients may experience facial changes.
Who is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
- Patients in good overall health, without conditions that may impact healing or the immune system
- Patients who are non-smokers or willing to quit, since nicotine impairs healing
- Sufficient bone mass to insert the anchor. If the patient lacks enough structure around the socket, a bone graft can restore it
- Excellent home oral care
- No untreated gum disease
The Dental Implant Procedure
Getting a single-tooth dental implant is a multi-step process, but it is easier than many patients believe.
Step 1: Consultation
During your initial consultation, your oral surgeon will take CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography) scans of your teeth and other oral tissues. The CBCT scanner helps the oral surgeon determine whether you have enough bone mass for an implant and study your oral anatomy to help avoid complications.
The oral surgeon will discuss your expectations and inform you about the risks and benefits of the surgery. You can ask your surgeon detailed questions.
Step 2: Surgery
The oral surgeon will provide local anesthesia, along with sedation, if you prefer it. The surgeon opens the gum and makes a small opening in the jawbone to accommodate the titanium implant post. The surgeon then secures the gum and allows it to heal.
Step 3: Abutment Placement
When your implant has healed and bonded with your jawbone, the surgeon places an abutment to hold the dental crown. The surgeon secures the gum tissue around the abutment and lets it heal.
Step 4: Crown Placement
A restorative dentist will provide your final crown and complete your implant. You can chew, smile, and speak clearly with your new implant and crown.
Other Types of Dental Implants
Implant-supported bridges and dentures provide an excellent appearance and full functionality. An implant-supported bridge is sturdier and lasts significantly longer than a conventional bridge. Implant-supported dentures are easier to clean and care for than standard dentures, providing better chewing and speaking ability.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
What is the success rate of dental implants?
Dental implants have a 95 percent success rate over the first ten years after placement. With proper oral hygiene, they can last significantly longer. The dental crown on top may need periodic replacement due to expected wear and tear.
Which is better, dentures or dental implants?
Oral surgeons recommend implants over conventional dentures. Conventional dentures may allow changes in the shape of your jawbone, leading to a sunken facial appearance associated with aging. They provide better chewing capability and do not slip or click. If you have many missing or damaged teeth, you can receive full-arch dentures anchored by only a handful of implants.
Call Upper West Side Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
Dental implants can improve your daily life. They are long-lasting, natural-looking appliances that protect your oral health and improve your self-esteem.
To discover more about our advanced dental implants and how they can help you smile freely, please call our Manhattan, NY, office at 212-466-6984. We would happily schedule a consultation with Dr. Park.