What are dental implants?

Dental care has improved dramatically over the years. However, millions of people still lose their teeth due to injury, diseases or tooth decay. Dentures and bridges have been the only way to deal with teeth loss for many years. Well, that was until dental implants came into play. Dental implants are inserts into the jawbone that replace the roots of the tooth. They set a strong foundation for teeth replacements. These replacements are usually a replica of the natural teeth. They could be either permanent (fixed) or removable.

How Do Dental Implants Work?

Dental implants are firmly fused into the jawbone and therefore provide support for the artificial teeth replacements. They support the dentures and the bridges and keep them from shifting or slipping, mainly when one is speaking or eating. The dentures and bridges that are fixed on the dental implants feel more natural than the conventional ones.

Why Dental Implants Are the Best Option

Dental implants are lauded for many things – and rightly so! When it's a matter of appearance, there is a big difference between those who use dental implants and those who use conventional dentures. Besides the looks, dental implants also feel like real teeth. They fuse with the jawbone and hence become permanent. Stable dentures mean that one can speak and eat comfortably without the teeth slipping within the mouth. Slipping may cause one to mumble or slur the words. There is improved comfort with dental implants. They do away with the discomfort that is brought about by removable dentures. The comfort and the knowledge that the teeth may not sleep while you eat or talk improve one's self-esteem.

Another advantage of dental implants is improved general oral health. Tooth-supported bridges may require one to reduce other teeth. With dental implants, one does not need to do this, as the surrounding teeth are not altered to give support to the implant. The implant is rooted in the bone, meaning that the other teeth are left intact, thus dramatically improving the long-term health. Hygiene is also enhanced as the gap between teeth is easily accessible.

What Is the Success Rate for Dental Implants?

Dental implants, with proper care, can last a lifetime. The success rate of dental implants is up to 98%. This rate varies with the position in the jaw where the implants are placed. Generally, dental implants are successful.

Are Dental Implants for Everyone?

All you need to do to get dental implants is to have healthy gums and enough jawbone to hold the implants – most people do. Dental implants can be fused into anyone eligible for a standard oral surgery or a routine dental extraction. The person should, however, commit to observe and maintain oral hygiene and also make regular visits to the dentist for monitoring.