After tooth loss, it’s crucial that the part of the mouth where the tooth (or teeth) used to be treated to prevent future damage. The most popular tooth-replacement options include dentures and dental bridges. The most effective, however, is dental implants.
Today, we’re looking at dental implants, what they are, why they’re necessary, why they’re effective, and how to care for them.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a small titanium peg that’s implanted into the empty socket in the jawbone at the site of tooth loss. Once placed in the hole vacated by the lost tooth, an implant is covered with a protective material, allowed to fuse permanently with the jawbone through osseointegration, and create a solid anchoring point for a dental crown.
Dental implants differentiate themselves from other tooth replacement options by addressing tooth loss not only above the gumline but at the root as well. Once a dental implant is in place and secure, a crown, typically made of porcelain, is secured atop the post as a permanent, fixed tooth replacement.
How Do I Care for My Dental Implant?
As durable as dental implants are, some care is required to ensure their long-term success. The most important elements of this are:
- Good oral hygiene. Like natural teeth, dental implants require good hygiene. This includes brushing at least twice a day and regularly flossing and rinsing with antibacterial mouthwash.
- Regular dental checkups. Visit your dentist regularly to ensure the long-term success of your dental implants.
- Quit tobacco use. Smoking and smokeless tobacco products increase the risk of implant failure by restricting blood flow to the gums and bones supporting the implant.
- Use a mouthguard. If you participate in contact sports or grind your teeth while sleeping, a mouthguard can offer much-needed protection.
- Follow your dentist's instructions. Carefully follow any care instructions provided to you by your dentist.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Dental implants are an excellent option for sufferers of tooth loss. Unfortunately, not everyone is a good candidate for implants. Patients for whom dental implants are a suitable solution should:
- Have a fully-formed jawbone (which happens around 18 years of age)
- Not suffering from gum disease
- Have a jawbone strong enough to support dental implants
The Benefits of Dental Implants
- Appearance and function. Since they’re firmly anchored into the jawbone and look and feel just like natural teeth, dental implants have a restorative effect on a person’s smile, speech, biting and chewing functions, and, as a result, self-confidence.
- Confidence. Never discount the confidence that comes with having not only a full set of teeth but one that allows you to engage the world with a healthy and beaming smile.
- Durability. With proper care, dental implants should last for at least 15 years without requiring retreatment. In some cases, a dental implant can last a lifetime!
- Overall oral health. Dental implants help to preserve surrounding teeth by preventing them from shifting out of alignment and preventing the loss of jawbone density that often accompanies tooth loss.
Enjoy the Transformative Power of Dental Implants in Aurora, IL
If you’re in the Aurora area, considering dental implants, and would like to learn more about whether they’re right for you, contact dentist Dr. Christine Wang and the team at Prairie Dental Care to schedule a consultation.