Are you considering a permanent solution for missing teeth? Dental implants are a sophisticated option that blend seamlessly with natural teeth, offering a durable alternative to dentures and bridges. In this article, we’ll explore how dental implants work, their benefits, and what you can expect from the dental implant procedure. We’ll also look into the factors that make a good candidate for dental implants and provide you with the cost considerations for this life-changing dental solution.

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Understanding Dental Implants: A Modern Solution for Missing Teeth

Dental implants revolutionize the field of oral health, offering a superior alternative to conventional tooth replacements like dentures or bridges. Surgeons place these mouth dental implants into the jawbone, thus creating a stable foundation for artificial teeth – be it crowns, bridges, or dentures. This not only makes them secure and comfortable but also allows them to function like your natural teeth, restoring your ability to eat and speak with ease.

Dental implants, primarily made of durable and sturdy titanium, embody the advancements in dental technology. These implants are designed for lifetime use. Unlike dentures and bridges, which can feel unnatural and unstable, dental implants provide a solution that feels and looks like your natural teeth.

A dental implant is more than just an artificial tooth. It’s a complex structure made up of several components, each playing a critical role in replicating the function of a natural tooth. At the heart of every dental implant is a titanium post. This post is surgically inserted into the jawbone and serves as the “root” for the artificial tooth. It provides stability and support, ensuring that your replacement tooth stays firmly in place.

The components of a dental implant include:

1. The implant post, which is surgically placed into the jawbone

2. The abutment, a small connector that links the artificial tooth to the implant post

3. The crown, the part of the implant that you see in your mouth – the artificial tooth

The crown is made of materials like titanium or ceramic (zirconia) and is custom-made to mimic the shape, size, and color of your natural teeth, providing a seamless and natural-looking solution for a missing tooth.

The Dental Implant Procedure: Step-by-Step Guide

While the concept of having a metal post surgically inserted into your jawbone might sound daunting, the dental implant procedure, also known as implant surgery, is a well-established and routine process that has been perfected over years of practice. In fact, most dental implants are placed by highly trained specialists, such as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, ensuring that you’re in safe hands throughout the procedure.

The dental implant process, including dental implant surgery, initiates with a comprehensive dental exam to assess your oral health and determine the feasibility of the implant procedure. Once the planning stage is complete, the dental implant placement is performed. The titanium post is carefully placed into the jawbone beneath the gum tissue, providing a stable foundation for the replacement tooth.

Osseointegration, a pivotal phase after surgery, involves the fusion of the jawbone with the implant. This process secures the implant in position and gives it the strength to support the replacement tooth.

Surgical Placement of the Implant

The implant’s surgical placement is essential in the dental implant procedure. At this stage, the titanium post is implanted meticulously and accurately into the jawbone, acting as the artificial root for the missing tooth. This surgery is typically performed under local or general anesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure.

While the thought of undergoing surgery can be intimidating, rest assured that the entire procedure is meticulously planned and executed by an experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon. The surgical placement of a dental implant typically takes between 30 to 60 minutes for a single implant and 2 to 3 hours for multiple implants, making it a relatively quick procedure with a significant impact on your oral health.

Osseointegration and Healing Process

After the implant’s surgical placement, osseointegration follows. During this vital phase, the jawbone and the implant fuse, securing the implant effectively in position. This process typically spans a period of 3 to 6 months, during which the implant gains the necessary strength to support the replacement tooth.

During osseointegration, various factors can influence the success of the process, such as the type of implant material used, surgical procedure, and the quality and quantity of bone. Regular dental follow-ups during this period are essential to monitor the progress of osseointegration and address any potential issues promptly.

Successful osseointegration is indicated by the absence of bone tissue irritation or gaps between the implant and the bone on dental x-rays, as well as a clear ringing sound when tapping on the implant.

Advantages of Choosing Dental Implants Over Other Options

When comparing to other tooth replacement options like dentures and bridges, dental implants provide several advantages:

• They maintain jawbone health and prevent bone loss, a common problem with dentures and bridges.
• They offer a stable and permanent solution.
• They enhance your smile.
• They contribute to your overall oral health.

Dental implants also offer the significant advantage of durability. Contrary to other tooth replacements that may need adjustments or replacements over time, dental implants are crafted for long-term use. With proper care and maintenance, dental implants can potentially last a lifetime.

Not only do dental implants restore the function of missing teeth, but they also provide a natural look and feel, making them a preferred choice for numerous patients.

Preserving Jaw Bone and Preventing Bone Loss

One of the key advantages of dental implants is their ability to:

• Preserve jawbone health
• Prevent bone loss
• Provide the necessary stimulation to the jawbone
• Maintain existing bone mass

When a tooth is lost, the lack of stimulation causes bone loss in the jaw, which can lead to further dental complications. Dental implants, however, provide the necessary stimulation to the jawbone, preventing bone resorption and maintaining existing bone mass.

Dental implants serve as artificial roots to your replacement teeth, providing the necessary stimulation that your natural tooth roots would typically provide. This stimulation is essential in maintaining the volume and density of your jawbone. Without it, the jawbone starts to resorb or shrink, leading to changes in facial structure and appearance. Therefore, by choosing dental implants, you’re not only replacing your missing teeth but also preserving your jawbone health and your facial aesthetics.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much do implants cost in Calgary?

Dental implant costs in Calgary range from $3000 to $6000 for the implant placement, but the treatment is tailored to each patient.

What are the 3 types of dental implants?

The three most common types of dental implants are endosteal, subperiosteal, and zygomatic. Endosteal implants are the most common and considered safe, while zygomatic implants are the most complex.

How long does a dental implant last?

Dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care, while the crown typically lasts 10 to 15 years before needing replacement due to wear and tear. However, the success rate of dental implants over a 10-year period is reported to be 90 to 95%, but getting better every day.

How painful is getting a tooth implant?

During the dental implant process, you will be under local anesthesia, so you shouldn’t feel pain. However, some discomfort may occur once the anesthesia wears off, which can be managed with medication. You will feel back to normal in 2-5 days’ time.