What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are used to replace missing teeth, when a dental bridge is not an option. They consist of screw like fixtures that are inserted into the jaw, and a fake tooth is then screwed onto this device.Facts About Dental Implants
- Dental bridges are used when multiple teeth are missing or the jaw cannot support a single implant.
- An implant can fix speech impediments if the gap is the root cause.
- Every part of the tooth is replaced with an implant, including the roots.
Dental implants can literally change your life! They’ll do everything including:
- Fixing the problem they were prescribed to fix.
- Improve your ability to speak.
- Provide protection for your teeth.
- And more!
There are a few different types of dental implants that are used for a variety of functions. Let’s go over a few of them and why your dentist might recommend them.
Dental implants – What are they?
Dental implants are appliances crafted in a lab that are made to fulfill a specific function in the mouth, when the original mouth structures are no longer capable of doing so.
What are the different benefits of dental implants?
Generally, dental implants in Edmonton are designed to do the following:
- Replace one or more teeth – The main function of dental implants, depending on the circumstance you may need either a single dental implant, bridge, or permanent dentures.
- Improve speech – If the gap is big enough, or your bite alignment is affected too much, you could have a speech impediment – The dental implant can fix this issue by closing the gap.
- Stop other teeth from moving – If you happen to lose a tooth, your other teeth may try to compensate by moving to close the gap over time. This is not good as it may compromise your teeth.
- Improved self-confidence – People often get very self conscious over their smile, having dental implants can greatly improve the aesthetics.
- Protection – If you have a broken teeth, or extra gum line showing from a missing tooth, an implant can help cover that gap which will help against further tooth decay.
Single Dental Implants
These dental implants consist of a screw base and a top that is made to resemble the patient’s original teeth. You will be a good candidate if you meet the following requirements:
- There is a 1 tooth-wide gap in your bite.
- You have a healthy supportive jaw structure.
If your dentist believes a single dental implant will work for you then you should rely on their expert consultation.
Dental Bridge
Dental bridges are meant for bigger gaps in the patient’s teeth. They are used for patients who meet the following requirements:
- 2 or more teeth missing.
- Insufficient jaw bone health.
Dental bridges also require slightly more involved aftercare since there is no gap between the replaced teeth, this means that a special tool will be needed for flossing, i.e. a floss pick.
Permanent Dentures
Permanent dentures are meant for patients who:
- Are missing many teeth.
- Have jawbones with poor health.
- Don’t have remaining teeth that will support a bridge.
Permanent dentures are meant for severe situations. These patients have very few supportive oral structures remaining that will be optimal for bridges.
Are dental implants worth it?
Dental implants are worth it if you have the budget for them. Since many problems can be created by having a gap in your bite, the implants will likely solve all of these problems. The missing tooth also won’t fix itself over time since we only get 1 set of adult teeth. If you don’t have any issues from a missing tooth in the beginning, problems may occur later on. Our bodies tend to get weaker the older we get, the gaps in your teeth may present additional areas of exposure.
Dental Implants – Aftercare
The aftercare procedure for dental implants is very similar to taking care of your own teeth. Even though the teeth used for implants and bridges do have fake teeth, you should still clean them regularly, and with as much care as normal teeth.
Dental bridges do not have a space between the teeth as the teeth are supporting each other. This type of implant will need special floss tools like a floss pick, or a floss threader. Your gums and remaining teeth (if there are any) are still susceptible to decay, so impeccable oral care is a must.
Frequently Asked Questions – Dental implants
Yes! Your implants can still get dirty with bacteria and food particles which can promote tooth decay.
It depends on the implant. If you need a single implant or permanent dentures, then you will need surgery for the screws of the implant. These screws are made out of titanium and shouldn’t cause any concern for health issues.
Check with your dentist first, you should be able to resume your normal diet. However, you should attempt to stay from overly hard or sticky foods just in case.
You may be able to get partial dentures. These will only cover part of the jaw and here is more maintenance than implants.
