Many people have experienced the loss of teeth due to a range of factors. It can result in embarrassment or pain as well as difficulty in eating. Dental implants are a perfect way to counter missing teeth. The treatment is classified as a type of prosthetic dentistry and cosmetic dentist at the same time.
Any individual who has gone through the loss of teeth has a range of corrective choices for the treatment of missing teeth. While they all work to a degree, no approach has proven to be as functionally reliable and durable as implants. They are so long lasting that, in many cases, they may be the only sensible option for the restoration of all essential performance of the teeth and supporting structures.
Teeth are lost in a range of causes. These consist of:
- Tooth decay
- Root canal failure
- Periodontitis/gum disease
- Trauma to the mouth
- Excessive wear and tear
- Birth Defects
The advantages of implant dentistry are many. For starters, the implants are more powerful and more long lasting than restorative counterparts like bridges and dentures. Next, implants are a long-term option to tooth loss. Furthermore, implants can be used with other restorative procedures for maximum effectiveness. As an example, a single implant can serve to support a crown replacing a single missing tooth. Implants can also be used to support a dental bridge or with dentures to enhance stability and lower gum tissue irritation.
Recent procedural innovations, like narrower mini implants, mean that more people are candidates for implants than ever before. While this holds true, candidacy still varies so a dental professional may determine that a patient should choose an alternative restoration. Also, dental practitioners do not require a specific license in order to carry out implant dentistry. Prosthodontists are the professionals who frequently perform this procedure. Periodontists and oral specialists carry out the implant surgery itself.
The dental implant procedure begins with preparing the jaw. A small diameter hole is drilled where there is not a tooth in order to assist the titanium screw that holds a dental implant in place. As soon as the screw is in place, it is given time to mold with the jaw. During this time, a safety cover screw is positioned to permit the site to heal.
After several months, the cover is removed, and a short-term crown is put on top of the implant. The short-term crown functions as a guide for the gum to grow and form itself in a natural way. The process is completed when the temporary crown is replaced with the long-term crown.
