Can Dental Implants Improve the Longevity of Your Oral Health
Are you evaluating different options for tooth replacement? You should be considering dental implants as unlike other methods of replacement it can provide unprecedented stability because the implant can address the structural the missing tooth above and below the gum line. Among the various options available for tooth replacement, dental implants are considered as the best because they not only support an artificial tooth above the gum line but also function as a root for the missing tooth below the gum line.
How Does a Dental Implant Function As a Replacement Tooth?
A dental implant has two components and it replaces both the roots of the tooth as well as the crown. Dentists working cosmetic dentistry insert a titanium post directly into the jaw in the empty socket of the missing tooth. The human body recognizes titanium as a biocompatible material and the jawbone will ultimately integrate with and around the post to stabilize the implant in its place permanently. The implant functions as a tooth root.
The second component of the implant replaces the tooth’s crown with a prosthetic crown developed in a dental laboratory. It is this part of the implant that provides a natural-looking and stable biting surface.
Are Implants Durable?
The construction of the implant, as well as the positioning in the jaw, enhances the durability of dental implants. The titanium post inserted into the jawbone integrates fully with the body in approximately 3 to 6 months. The dental crowns are made from materials like porcelain and metal that are resistant to cavity-causing bacteria. After completing the implant process successfully patients who maintain good oral health without forgetting to visit their dentist for checkups and cleanings regularly enjoy having a tooth replacement which lasts for decades if not for a lifetime.
It must, however, be understood that your overall health can affect the longevity of a dental implant. This includes your oral and overall health because some failures have been recorded among people that did not have the adequate bone structure in their mouths to support the dental implant. Some people affected by periodontal disease and having damaged bone in their mouths also suffered from a similar fate.
Consulting with the dentist conducting the procedure about any problems in your mouth is essential to ensure the longevity of dental implants. Conditions like periodontal disease, diabetes, and others must be brought to the notice of two the specialist in cosmetic dentistry to conduct a thorough exam and determine whether you are suitable for dental implants or not.
Periodontal Disease Can Contribute to the Failure of Dental Implants
Oral diseases and specifically periodontal disease have contributed to the failure of dental implants after they were inserted. It wasn’t the dental implant that failed in these cases but the bone and surrounding tissues did to develop a condition known as Peri-implantitis to weaken the supporting structures causing the implant to loosen to make way for the infection. It is one of the reasons why treatment for gum disease is extremely important for people that are considering dental implants before and after the procedure.
Professionals in cosmetic dentistry are making all efforts to evaluate patients that approach them for dental implants by examining their mouths and overall general health before considering them for the procedure. The professionals are paying specific attention to the quality of jawbone in the mouth of the patient as well as any conditions that the patient could be suffering from. They advise proper oral care before and after the implants are inserted. However, they do not have any control over how patients manage their oral hygiene habits that are often plagued by problems of improper brushing and flossing. These problems lead to the buildup of plaque which ultimately hardens into tartar to cause gum diseases which affect the longevity of dental implants. Therefore patients that are considering dental implants for themselves are advised to prepare themselves to exercise proper care of their overall and oral health before and after getting the implants. Dental implants can certainly improve the longevity of oral health but only if it receives adequate support from the patient in terms of the issues discussed in this article.
Many patients that are using dental implants are happy they have made a suitable investment for replacing the missing teeth from their mouth. These are the type of people that are always conscious about their general and oral health and are prepared to follow the stringent requirements of an expensive procedure that improves their smile and appearance.
