When it comes to missing teeth and having to go through tooth replacement, dental implants stand out. Compared to dentures or bridges, they have higher benefits and are ever-lasting - despite their high cost (how much are dental implants). If you do your research and consult with your dentist, you will see that replacing teeth with implants is the best solution for your damaged or missing teeth. In this article, we take you through this cutting-edge solution and its benefits.
Replacing teeth with implants: How does it work?
Replacing teeth with dental implants is a procedure that involves surgery and 3 major steps. To get an implant tooth, tooth roots made from titanium are carefully placed into the jawbone. That is the first step that is meant to support the artificial teeth that will be placed next. Dental implants will go through a process called osseointegration, which means they will completely integrate with the jawbone. The bone will grow around the titanium root to fix them firmly. After that, the implants can be used to place crowns or bridges on top. One missing tooth or an arch of several missing teeth in a row can be then replaced, and loose dentures can be stabilized. You can read all about the cost of dental implants here (how much are dental implants) and how long they last here (how long do dental implants last).
Do dental implants go over existing teeth?
The short answer is no. The goal is to replace your missing teeth with implants. To be able to place an implant on the jawbone, you have to have space to fit a new tooth. Dental implants are surgically placed by your dentist in your jawbone. There, they will serve as roots for your missing teeth. They will last for years (how long do dental implants last) and will look natural.
How to know if you’re a good candidate to replace teeth with implants?
After you visit your dentist, you will get a clearer picture of whether you are a good candidate for dental implants or not. Generally, most patients are good candidates. Your dentist will first look for the cause of the missing teeth and at the state of your jawbone, as having good bone support is vital for dental implants to be a success. Next, your dentist will assess the health of your gums and teeth, your oral hygiene habits, whether you are a smoker or not, and whether you are willing to be patient with the process (which usually requires 12 months in total). Managing your budget and making sure you can cover the cost of dental implants will be the next step. (how much are dental implants).
How many teeth can be replaced by implants?
While dental implants can replace just a single tooth or several teeth in a row, there is also something we call “full-mouth dental implants”, Replacing teeth with implants can be applied to your whole set of teeth that are missing. Dental implants are the option that will make you feel like you have natural teeth and that nothing is missing. They also have the ultimate benefits of lasting a lifetime (read here about how long dental implants last - how long do dental implants last).
Can you replace all teeth with implants?
Replacing all of your teeth with dental implants is absolutely possible. For people who choose to not have a set of removable teeth, the full arch implant is another option. You can replace all teeth with implants with full-arch ones in which a series of 4 to 6 dental implants are used to cover an entire arch of missing teeth. As for the process of a single implant, once the 4 to 6 dental implants have adjusted to your jawbone, your dentist will add permanent or removable dentures that clip on the healed implants.
5 benefits of replacing all teeth with implants
When you opt to replace all teeth with implants, and to bear the cost (how much are dental implants), you should be aware of this decision’s many benefits.
Here is a list:
Benefit 1 - A long-term solution
The success rate of dental implants is 97%. This shows it is the best solution for missing teeth replacement, along with the fact that they are long-lasting (how long do dental implants last).
Benefit 2 - Easy to maintain and no more cavities!
Artificial teeth should still be maintained to prevent bacteria from accumulating in your mouth and creating infections. However, dental implants are constructed of a material that cannot rot. In short, you'll never have to be concerned about cavities in your dental implants! Also, cleaning and caring for dental implants do not require special care. Post-procedure, you can continue with your habitual regimen of brushing and flossing your teeth as you would typically do with your natural teeth.
Benefit 3 - Your bite force is restored
Dental implants are secured in your jaw with a titanium post that substitutes the tooth root. It enables you to chew with roughly the same force as you would with your original teeth. Whereas other available tooth replacement solutions don't restore nearly as much bite power since they sit at the top of the gums and aren't fastened in place.
Benefit 4 - Dental implants prevent bone deterioration
As teeth are lost, bone mass in the jaw goes along with it. In order to retain it, the jawbone requires the stimulation that it receives when the teeth meet. Dental implants are the only tooth replacement method that also helps to prevent bone loss by enabling jaw bone stimulation.
Benefit 5 - Your natural teeth color is mirrored
Dental implants are customizable. Your dentist will work closely with you to create implants that are the same color as the rest of your teeth and fit well into the gap. They look so real that only you and your dentist will be able to tell them apart.
Final Points
Replacing teeth with implants is not an easy decision. It requires patience and dedication to make it happen and go through the procedure. However, it is the best solution for replacing your missing teeth and it is well worth the time and endurance for a smiley and comfortable future. You can read all about the cost of dental implants here (how much are dental implants) and how long they last here (how long do dental implants last).
