Article by:
Amelia Grant
Despite advances in oral care and dental hygiene, age is not the main cause of tooth loss. In fact, by age 74, one out of every four adults had lost all of their permanent teeth. Tooth loss, dental decay, gum disease, accidents, and oral infections are all typical dental issues that require tooth extraction. Previously, dentures and bridgework were the only solutions accessible. However, during the last few years, dental implants have become increasingly popular.
When you have a lost tooth, it is important to replace it right away. Replacing a tooth is more than just a cosmetic choice. When a tooth is pulled or lost, the surrounding bone structures start to degrade. If you have too many missing teeth, it can have an impact on your jaw, face structure, and even your joints. A lost tooth can also cause the remaining teeth to shift and cause biting problems by interfering with their alignment.
It is critical to understand your options for restoring lost teeth and the dangers associated with those options.
Because of the complicated nature of its placement, dental implants are significantly stronger and more resilient than dentures or bridgework.
Bridgework relies on the strength of the surrounding teeth for support, whereas implants are drilled into the bone. Implants also protect adjacent teeth. Unlike dentures, dental implants prevent bone loss since they replace both the tooth and the root.
One significant advantage of dental implants is their natural appearance. Again, because they replace the tooth and its root, the implant is positioned against the gum, giving it a very natural look.
Implants work like genuine teeth, regardless of their esthetic or superficial look. There is no "clicking" as with dentures, and the challenges are reduced compared to dentures and bridgework. Dentures might cause difficulty chewing and speaking.
Dental implants require the same care as natural teeth. There is no extra care required, as with dentures or bridgework. Implants are extremely robust, so they can withstand typical wear and tear just like your original teeth.
The success percentage among people who have received dental implants is 98%.
There are dangers associated with any surgical procedure. Although the implant is securely attached to the bone, there is a danger of infection in your gums. Bacteria can enter the implant site and produce peri-implantitis, an infection that can result in bone loss.
If the implants penetrate the sinus cavity, there is a danger of problems. This could increase the risk of frequent sinus infections or sinusitis. Dental implants also pose a risk of nerve injury. The implant drills or a local anesthetic injection can injure the jaw's major nerve, which delivers sensation to the bottom row of teeth.
Getting dental implants is a lengthy process that can take several months to complete. The anchor is initially fastened to the jawbone. Before a new tooth can be implanted, the bone must fuse with the implant. It takes about 6 months for the bone to fully recover. Then, a reconstructive dentist screws the replacement tooth onto the implant. Depending on the degree of your tooth loss, if the original tooth extraction caused bone damage, and how rapidly your body heals, this process could take up to a year.
Because of the complexity of the implant process, further dental work may be required. If your jawbone is weak and cannot support the titanium implant, your dentist will need to conduct a bone graft. A bone graft is a procedure that uses a particular piece of material to repair damaged or weaker bone. Your body is more likely to reject the transplant since it is a foreign object. However, if done correctly, your jaw will be robust enough to support the implant.
Finally, when considering your tooth replacement choices, keep in mind that dental implants are not usually covered by insurance. If the tooth replacement is necessary due to poor oral health, insurance is more likely to cover the cost of the surgery than if it is solely cosmetic. There will most certainly be some out-of-pocket expenses that insurance does not cover, but consult your dentist or oral surgeon about financing options.
Despite the hazards, dental implants are a safe and dependable tooth replacement option that can enhance your quality of life. Dental implants increase chewing ability, communication, and looks. They are considered a long-term replacement alternative because, if properly maintained and cared for, they can last a lifetime. Dentures and bridgework may require replacement every 7–10 years.
If you have lost teeth and believe that dental implants may be a better option than dentures or bridgework, consult your dentist.
