Dental implants have revolutionized the field of dental care, offering a reliable and long-term solution for replacing missing teeth. If you’re considering dental implants, it’s important to understand what they are, the types available, their lifespan, potential downsides, and who is an ideal candidate for this procedure. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore all these aspects and more, ensuring you have a thorough understanding of dental implants.
What to Know About Dental Implants
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are medical devices surgically implanted into the jaw to restore a person’s ability to chew or their appearance. They provide a sturdy foundation for artificial teeth, mimicking the function and appearance of natural teeth. Implants are typically made of titanium or zirconium oxide. However, other materials such as gold alloys, cobalt-based alloys, ceramic materials, or titanium alloys are sometimes used.
What Are the 3 Types of Dental Implants?
There are three primary types of dental implants commonly used today:
Endosteal Implants
Endosteal implants are the most common type of dental implant. An endosteal implant involves inserting a dental implant into the jawbone, serving as an artificial root to secure a prosthetic tooth replacement. This type of implant provides excellent stability and support for artificial teeth.
After the initial implant placement, a healing period is necessary to allow the implant to fuse with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration. Once the osseointegration is complete, a second surgery is performed to attach an abutment to the implant. The abutment serves as a connector between the implant and the artificial tooth, providing a secure attachment. Finally, a custom-made artificial tooth, also known as a dental crown, is placed on the abutment, providing a natural-looking and functional replacement for the missing tooth.
Zygomatic Implants
Zygomatic implants are suitable for individuals who have experienced significant bone loss in their upper jaw and do not have sufficient bone density to support traditional dental implants. Instead of being anchored in the jawbone, zygomatic implants are anchored in the cheekbone or zygoma. This allows individuals with severe bone loss to receive implants without the need for extensive bone grafting procedures.
Zygomatic implants provide a stable foundation for artificial teeth, restoring both functionality and aesthetics to the smile.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
One of the key advantages of dental implants is their longevity. With proper care and maintenance, dental implants can last a lifetime. The success rate of dental implant procedures is exceptionally high, often surpassing 95%.
It’s important to note that the lifespan of dental implants can vary depending on various factors, including oral hygiene, overall health, lifestyle habits, and the quality of the implant placement.
Is There a Downside to Dental Implants?
While implants offer numerous benefits, it’s essential to consider potential downsides. First and foremost, the cost of dental implants can be a significant investment, as the procedure involves surgical placement of the implant, abutment, and artificial tooth.
Additionally, the process may require multiple appointments and healing time, extending the overall treatment duration. Certain medical conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes or periodontal disease, may also affect the success of the implant procedure.
It’s crucial to consult with a dental professional to evaluate your individual circumstances and determine the best treatment plan.
Who is a Candidate for Dental Implants?
In general, individuals who have healthy gums and are old enough so that their jawbone has stopped growing are suitable candidates for dental implants. It’s important that candidates have a sufficient amount of jawbone to support and anchor the implant. If the bone density is inadequate, a bone grafting procedure may be necessary to strengthen the area.
Dental Implants: A Reliable and Long-lasting Solution for Restoring Oral Health and Confidence
Dental implants are a remarkable advancement in the field of dentistry. They offer a reliable and long-lasting solution for individuals with missing teeth, improving oral health, and restoring self-confidence. By understanding the different types of dental implants, their lifespan, potential downsides, and candidacy requirements, you can make an informed decision about pursuing this treatment option.
It is best to consult with a dental professional to assess your unique situation and embark on a treatment plan that will provide you with a healthy, beautiful smile for years to come.
Dental Implant Technology
At All Smiles Family Dentistry in Omaha, NE, we use state-of-the-art implant technology from The Straumann® Dental Implant System. This helps to ensure your experience is as stress-free and comfortable as possible.
Every mouth is different. Therefore, 3D cone beam imaging is used to provide a full 3D scan of your teeth, soft tissues, and even nerve pathways. This allows for more precise dental care and treatment planning.
The use of breakthrough implant technologies allows for most implants to be completed under local anesthesia in under 30 minutes. Additionally, most patients are fully restored within a few months. Oftentimes patients do not require any downtime post-procedure and are able to manage pain by taking Tylenol or ibuprofen.
All Smiles Family Dentistry enables a seamless patient workflow by offering in-office dental implants in Omaha, NE to bring about beautiful smiles.
Success Story
The patient came to us with resorption and discoloration of her front right tooth. We extracted and placed an implant in this site, then restored it with an implant crown.
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All Smiles Family Dentistry in Omaha, NE
At All Smiles Family Dentistry, we are proud to provide high-quality care to all our patients both young and old thanks to our compassionate and experienced dental team. We offer a clean and comfortable clinic to help you feel relaxed during your visit. Contact All Smiles Family Dentist.