What You Need To Know About Dental Implants
There are many good things people say about dental implants, and their advantages over other tooth replacements. But before scheduling your appointment to get them, let us first review some basic information about dental implants.
First, what are dental implants? Dental implants are root-like devices shaped like a screw, and generally made of titanium. These “tooth roots” are surgically inserted into the jawbone, when there is enough bone to ensure ample anchorage. After healing, a restoration tooth is attached in order to replace a tooth or a set of teeth. They are permanent and very durable and they look and feel like natural teeth, making them very popular.
One other good thing about dental implants is the fact that there are no limitations with age for you to have them. Children to the elderly with missing teeth can get them. However, they must be cleared of any contraindicated conditions like uncontrolled diabetes and bone cancer.
If you are concerned with surgery, do not worry. During the procedure, an effective sedative and local anesthetic will be used to make sure you are free from any discomfort. You will also be given medications to ensure comfort after surgery.
Dental implants are the most successful procedures in dentistry. However, there are several factors that may affect the long-term success of dental implants. First, is the quality and quantity of the jawbone. The better the quality of bone and with appropriate bone height and width, the higher the chance of long-term success. Another factor is the quality of the restoration used on top of the implant. Only the best materials and procedures should be used. And lastly, is the capability and experience of the dental surgeon who will perform the implantation. There is no substitute to ensuring the right doctor to do the best surgery for you. It is always best that you feel confident with the professional to whom you are entrusting your health.
So, you ask now, who can place a dental implant? Dental implantation can be done by a periodontist, an oral surgeon, or a general dentist (implantologist) properly trained in implant surgery. If you go to a periodontist or an oral surgeon, you will also have to see a restorative dentist because periodontists and oral surgeons normally specialize in dental implants, while the general dentist (implantologist) may be the one to construct and put on the crown (cap). But, with implantologists, both the surgical insertion of the implant and the attachment of the tooth or teeth is completed in one location, which can be a huge benefit.
Maintenance of dental implants is not unlike natural teeth. Professional cleaning and examination, twice per year is recommended. And, of course, nothing beats daily brushing and flossing to maintain not just your implants, but your overall oral and general health.