Healthy Fluids

A lot of people attribute having good oral health to being successful in life. Having perfect teeth and healthy gums are vital to the overall well-being of an individual, and gives them confidence in everyday life.

Although taking care of teeth is not rocket science, some people still suffer tooth-loss. Losing one or more teeth is aggravating and affects just about anyone. A person can lose teeth for various reasons, like an accident or injury, dental caries, and periodontal disease. Fortunately, there is a solution to losing a tooth known as dental implants.

Dental implants are metal posts that are surgically placed into the jaw under the gums. It is a long-term solution to missing teeth, and can fix problems with dentures, bridges, and bite issues. There are three kinds of implants: artificial bone substitute, endosteal, and sub-periosteal. All three must be done by a professional periodontist.

There are many advantages to getting dental implants. Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth, thus giving someone the confidence to smile without being self-conscious about missing a tooth. Dental implants are also comfortable, and will not slip or shift in your mouth. Getting surgical dental implants is quick and results in little pain. Unlike bridges, dental implants do not need to be anchored to other teeth and can be done even with dentures. Dental implants also protect oral health by stimulating bone growth and preventing bone-loss.

On the other hand, having dental implants presents a downside. It is a costly procedure depending on the type of implant, and the extent of damage to the oral cavity. One must also shell out more cash if the surgery involves another licensed professional like a maxillofacial surgeon. It pays to have good dental coverage if you are planning to get dental implants. Additionally, not everybody is a candidate for dental implants. One has to have healthy gums, and enough jawbone to support the implants.

Care and maintenance of dental implants is not at all difficult. One is usually advised to avoid chewing on hard and gummy foods after the surgery so as not to wear down the tooth crown. Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly is a good start to ensure good oral health. It also helps to avoid any activities that can destroy teeth, like smoking. A regular visit to the dentist is a must to guarantee good oral hygiene. Additionally, it pays to avoid getting into accidents that might damage your teeth.

People have come a long way in terms of advancements in dental care, and are fortunate enough to have these options to recover missing teeth. Following these tips will ensure a lasting and certain path toward excellent overall health. Practicing good dental hygiene and proper oral care is essential to human well-being.

A dental implant is used as a replacement for a missing tooth that has already decayed because of cavities. Dental implants come in two different types: individual and bridge. These implants are shaped like screws and are made of synthetic titanium stubs. They are designed to go well and match with the rest of the natural teeth. They are carefully made to fit inside the jaw by means of surgery , so that an artificial tooth or set of teeth can be attached. Once the implants are already fixed, the crown or the artificial tooth will be added.

Procedure

Whether a patient has a tooth or a set of teeth missing, the method by which dental implants are attached is the same. As mentioned, minor surgery is needed in order to replace a missing tooth or a set of teeth with dental implants.

Impressions are initially taken by the implant dentist to make sure that the crown to be installed matches the shade of the patient's existing teeth and that the crown looks like a natural tooth.

The jaw bone where the implant is going to be placed is then exposed by cutting open the gum area. Then, a special post is attached to the dental implant once the exposed gum tissue is ready. More specifically, the crown is slid into place and then cemented over the post. The purpose of this post is to provide support to the new porcelain crown.

However, in special cases wherein the bone structure is not enough, implants dentists recommend that a procedure called bone grafting be done. This method, also known as transplanting of the bone tissue, is done to fix damaged bones by repairing or rebuilding them. After healthy bone material has been placed, implant dentists use a special kind of drill to prepare the bone. A dental implant can then be inserted. Once the dental implant has been placed, the gum tissue is sealed. Then, seven days to two weeks after the surgery, the stitches are ready to be removed.

Last is the healing phase which is also called osseointegration. This process usually takes about three to six months. During the healing process, the dental implant which was installed becomes part of the jaw.

Benefits of Dental Implants

By replacing missing teeth, dental implants provide patients with various advantages, such as the improvement of one's speech, bite, and appearance. Thus, once they are installed, they help make patients more comfortable with flashing their beautiful smiles. And though they are more expensive than dentures, dental implants do away with the hassle and inconvenience of putting on and taking off dentures. In addition, they help make it easier for patients to chew and eat. Most importantly, dental implants help improve a patient's self-esteem.