Is It Worth Getting A Dental Implant?
The dental implant is the first section to go into your mouth. Usually made from titanium, this elongated piece is screwed directly into your jaw.
Dental Implant
18 November 2022
If you’re looking to replace a missing tooth, a dental implant can be a relatively easy and cost-effective solution. While nothing takes the place of a real tooth — a dental implant is about as close as you can get. Below, we’ll take a look at the steps involved in the implant process and learn more about everything associated with this type of procedure.
Firstly, What Exactly Is A Dental Implant?
There are three main elements to consider when talking about implants; the implant itself, the abutment and the crown.
The dental implant is the first section to go into your mouth. Usually made from titanium, this elongated piece is screwed directly into your jaw. The bone material in this area will naturally grow around the helical grooves of the metal, creating a permanent, very strong bond with the screw-like implant.
Next is the abutment. This sits in between the implant and the crown, attaching to both sections and functioning somewhat like a shock absorber. Once inserted into the implant, the crown can then be placed on top of the abutment as the final step. Dental crowns are custom-made pieces and are designed to look and feel exactly like the rest of your teeth. They can be made from a variety of materials, with ceramic and porcelain usually providing the most authentic look.
When Is A Dental Implant Necessary?
An implant can be used whenever there’s a gap in your teeth.
Naturally, the absence of a tooth will present issues for your gums, other teeth and oral health in general. When a gap in your mouth emerges, it increases the risk of your teeth becoming misaligned or slowly moving from their original position. Without the counterweight against them, you may even find teeth on the opposing side of your mouth growing much longer than they should, extending downwards or upwards towards the gap.
Missing teeth at the front of your mouth can also have a significant impact on your self-esteem and personal confidence. Implants, in this case, will not only have a positive effect on your physical health but also on your mental and emotional health. Giving you back your smile, a dental implant can do a lot for you.
Common Causes For Missing Teeth
There are many different reasons you might have gaps in your smile. These include:
- A Previous Extraction Where The Tooth Couldn’t Be Saved
- A Severe Accident or Injury Resulting In The Loss of Your Tooth
- Poor Oral Health In General Leading To Gum Disease
- Congenitally Missing Teeth (Inherited Genetic Conditions Where You’re Born Without Certain Teeth)
How Long Does The Procedure Take?
Usually, surgical implants won’t take much longer than about an hour to attach. After this, your dentist will wait between 3 to 4 months for the area to completely heal and for the implant to fully anchor itself into your gums. This is a very important period and, if rushed, can affect the strength of the implant’s bond and the end result. Once the area is ready, the abutment can be installed and the crown can be permanently affixed on top.
3D Surgical Implant Guide
The 3D surgical guide is the latest advancement in dental implant technology. It is created by taking impressions or inter-oral scans of the desired implant site and using a computer-guided 3D implant planning system. The guide itself is a single-use appliance that’s made to fit directly over a patient’s teeth. It contains a hole that allows a surgical drill to be positioned at the right location, angle and even depth.
The use of this sort of technology helps to:
- Reduce the duration of the procedure
- Limit the pain and swelling for the patient
- Increase the accuracy of the surgery
Dental Implants At Innovative Dental
Preparation, information and innovation are the keys to achieving the best result for your dental implant. Thorough planning and assessment will mitigate any risks involved and create the safest possible environment for your dental procedure.
With regular check-ups and good oral hygiene, your implant can last forever. They don’t require any special level of care. Simply treat them as you would your normal teeth with regular brushing, flossing and rinsing.
If you’d like to learn more about dental implants and how you can get yours, contact Innovative Dental today.
