Dental implants have grown in popularity during the years due to a wide range of advantages over traditional models. The permanent bases can offer recipients a more normal lifestyle, while lessening the time and effort it takes to care for removable styles. It's common to have questions when deciding if dental implants are right for you. Here are some answers to help you get started.
What Is a Dental Implant?
Implants are devices---generally titanium---that are placed into the jawbone and act as anchors for the placement of artificial teeth. The bases can hold from one tooth to a full set of upper or lower teeth. According to the American Dental Association, implants offer more stability than removable models because they fuse to bone and fit more firmly in your mouth. Integration of the implants into your jaw also aids in replacement teeth feeling more natural.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Reasonable recipients of implants should be in good health and have enough bone in the jaw to support implants. Healthy gums are also a must. Often times, implant candidates have previously used other models and are not satisfied. Consult your dentist for a full evaluation to determine whether dental implants are right for you.
Are There Different Types?
Two primary styles of dental implants exist, according to Colgate World of Care. Bar-retained dentures are a thin metal bar that follows the curve of your jawline and attaches to two-to-five implants fitted into your jawbone. Ball-retained dentures are placed into the jawbone and hold a metal attachment that fits into another denture attachment. The ball-shaped fixtures clip onto denture sockets. Both implant types have acrylic bases that resemble gums and porcelain or acrylic teeth that look like natural teeth.
Bar-retained dentures need at least three implants. Ball-retained dentures require at least two.
How Does It Work?
An initial surgery to place the anchor is performed first. Dental surgeons then attach a post to support replacement teeth. The post is either fitted during the first operation or during a second later surgery. Several months usually pass before the next procedure in order for bone to grow around the anchor and hold the fixture in place. After gums heal, artificial teeth are created and secured to the anchor post. The entire implant process takes between five months to two years, depending on each individual case.
Where Is the Surgery Performed?
The implant operations can be completed inside a dental office or in a hospital, depending on a variety of factors. A local or general anesthetic may be used, and pain medications are also generally prescribed. Antibiotics are required in some cases. Ask your dentist about proper instructions for diet and oral hygiene before and after the surgery.
How Should I Care for Implants?
Remove and clean your dentures twice a day and carefully brush around implants. Regular visits to your dentist every three months are also necessary for checkups and cleanings. During the first year, implant structure needs to be tested to make sure the fixture remains stable and hasn't shifted during eating.
Any Problems to Watch for?
Chewing can sometimes cause your denture to move resulting in sore gums. Consult your dentist if your mouth becomes increasingly painful, so he can check your bite alignment. Also with bar-retained dentures, continued wear usually means the clip attachment will have to be replaced every six to 12 months.
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