Should You Consider Dental Implants?

Our teeth altogether form a unified structure. The loss or weakening of even one tooth can result in a deterioration of the entire dental structure. 

However, thanks to dental implants, we can avoid this. In fact, implants are the perfect alternative to dentures. As long as a person has healthy gums and adequate bone support, implants are an option. 

People often wonder if they are too young or old to get dental implants. But, innovations have made it possible for everyone to get them. Let’s dive in to get to know them better.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are made of titanium. They come in different sizes and fit into the jaw bone in the mouth. They function similarly to ordinary teeth roots. Furthermore, not only do implants give you back a tooth so you can chew, their presence in the jaw bone helps to prevent jaw bone loss/deterioration. 

As mentioned, dental implants connect to your jawbone, providing a secure foundation for prosthetic teeth, such as single crowns, or multi-crown “bridges.”

Types of Dental Implants

There are three primary types of dental implants: Endosteal, Sub-periosteal, and Zygomatic implants. 

  1. Endosteal Implants

These are the most commonly used implants today. They are surgically inserted into the jawbone. After the surrounding gum tissues have healed, the dentist will perform a second surgical procedure to attach a post to the original implant. Finally, a prosthetic tooth or “crown” is connected to the post, either individually or in groups on as a multi-crown “bridge.” Sometimes a whole denture is connected to the dentures. 

  1. Sub-Periosteal Implants

These implants consist of a metal frame attached to the jawbone underneath the gum tissue. The steel frame attaches itself to the jawbone as the gums recover. The frame’s posts protrude through the gums. The prosthetic teeth are then attached to the posts like endosteal implants are. Nowadays these types of implants are not commonly used. Endosteal implants have all but replaced them.

  1. Zygomatic Implants

Zygomatic implants can be done to avoid an invasive procedure. It is the most complex implant procedure and should only be performed if the jawbone cannot accommodate an endosteal implant. In the case of a zygomatic implant, the implant is inserted in the patient’s cheekbone instead of the jawbone. Again, they are used when there is not enough jaw bone present for the commonly used endosteal implant. Often times two will be placed, one in each cheek bone, and an upper full denture will be made to connect to these implants.  It’s important to note that these days Zygomatic implants are growing in popularity amongst those who do not have enough healthy jaw bone.

Who Should Opt for Dental Implants?

The technology surrounding dental implants has improved dramatically in recent years. Therefore, dental implants are soon becoming the industry standard for addressing dental issues caused by tooth loss. However, there are a few requirements on the part of the patient:

  • Strong, healthy gums 
  • healthy jaw bone
  • no underlying periodontal disease
  • no untreated tooth decay 

Anyone who has the above can be a candidate for dental implants. Moreover, they are a long-lasting permanent solution, unlike conventional dentures that don’t always fit well, which then causes chronic irritation due to the friction of the denture on the gums. 

Reasons to Choose Dental Implants

  • Natural appearance: As mentioned above, conventional dentures can be an option, but implants are far better due to their esthetics. 
  • Strong and sturdy: They are firmly integrated into the jawbone and do not require the patient having to take them in and out of the mouth, like dentures.
  • Protects against bone loss: Dental implants encourage alveolar jaw bone growth in the same manner as natural teeth do. This can safeguard your face’s underlying structure skeletal structure and prevent premature aging.
  • Long lasting: Implant surgery can provide you with a long-term solution. If you take good care of your implants, they could last a lifetime.
  • Relatively affordable: Dental implants are a significant one-time expense. However, they are more cost-effective in the long run since they are long term.
  • Low-maintenance: You need to care for your implants the same way you do for your natural teeth (this includes good at home hygiene, as well as regular dental checkups). Other than that, they do not require any additional special maintenance.
  • Short recovery time: Implant surgery is relatively safe and can be performed extremely quickly. In fact, you can walk out of the dentist’s office immediately after the procedure, followed by a very short recovery period.

Conclusion

Dental implants are among the best alternatives for replacing missing teeth and improving your appearance. They can help you avoid dentures, enhance the radiance of your smile, and your overall oral health. 

In addition to these advantages, they are also durable and can last a lifetime. You may now have many questions about dental implants. But fortunately we have the answers. So, if you are considering implants, consult with Pure Dental Arts today.

References:

https://www.yourdentistryguide.com/implants/

https://www.colgate.com/en-in/oral-health/implants/what-are-dental-implants

https://www.smilespauk.com/different-types-dental-implants/#:~:text=There%20are%20three%20common%20types,It%20is%20rarely%20used.

https://www.implantdentistirvine.com/blog/when-are-dental-implants-necessary#:~:text=Dental%20implants%20are%20necessary%20when,problem%20as%20time%20goes%20on.

https://sforalsurgery.com/reasons-to-consider-dental-implants/

 

Things You Need to Know About Recovering from Dental Implants

Dental implants have become the preferred solution for restoring your teeth’s natural function to regaining a beautiful smile. These products overcome the challenges of removable prosthetics like discomfort and maintenance.

In fact, such apparent benefits drive their annual growth rate projection of 9.8%. So, if you choose dental implant surgery, the decision is, most likely, reasonable.

It is true that opting for dental implants is comparatively safe and leads to minimum side effects. However, as a patient, you also need to be aware of some recovery information and tips.

This way, you can manage the post-surgery phase optimally. Here are the critical factors associated with dental implant recovery that can prove beneficial.

 

#1 You Need Adequate Rest

A dental implant procedure includes the following main steps:

  • Removal of the damaged tooth
  • Grafting (if required)
  • Placement of implant
  • Bone healing
  • Placement of abutment
  • Artificial tooth insertion

It is evident from these steps that your body needs rest to heal from the surgery. So, one of the simplest ways to recover quickly from dental implant surgery is to avoid strenuous activity.

You should avoid exercise and lifting heavy objects as per the dentist’s suggestion. Also, ample hydration is the key to a swift recovery.

 

#2 It Is Crucial to Eat Right

The type and nature of food you eat influence your recovery. Hence, following the dental expert’s recommendation is the key to preventing any implant surgery complications.

Here are the types of foods that you should avoid eating after the surgery:

  • Hot
  • Spicy
  • Alcohol
  • Sticky
  • Hard

Good examples of such food items are popcorn, nuts, chips, hot beverages, curry, and candy. Allow your incision to heal by eating soft foods. Aim to include products that require minimum chewing and jaw movement.

 

#3 Pay Attention to Daily Nutrition

In addition to eating the right food, you should pay equal attention to the health element. To avoid postoperative issues, it will help to include the following foods in your diet:

  • Broccoli
  • Leafy vegetables
  • Sweet corn soup
  • Protein shakes
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Yogurt
  • Applesauce

Foods rich in vitamins and fibers should be on top of your list after undergoing dental implant surgery. Such eatables increase the healing pace, allowing you to resume routine activities quickly.

 

#4 You Should Choose Fluids Properly

Hydration is vital to flush the toxins outside your body. In addition, drinking plenty of water helps you stay fresh and energized.

After dental implant surgery, you should also avoid the following fluids:

  • Alcohol
  • Caffeine

Both these types of drinks can dehydrate you, interfering with the healing process. In most cases, dentists recommend avoiding such beverages for at least a week after surgery.

However, if possible, you should consume alcohol only after complete recovery. This way, you can accelerate the recovery process.

 

#5 Maintain a Strict Oral Hygiene Routine

After a dental implant procedure, you can experience the following side effects:

  • Bleeding (minor)
  • Gum bruising
  • Swelling
  • Pain

You must follow the recommended oral hygiene tips to overcome these minor issues. Also, be sure to take the prescribed antibiotics and pain reliever medicines.

Here are some other common oral hygiene tips that can bolster the recovery process:

  • Use a mouthwash with chlorhexidine
  • Include salt water rinses after every meal
  • Keep the artificial teeth and gums clean
  • If possible, use an interdental brush
  • Avoid swilling and brush in a gentle manner

It is essential to follow all the guidelines that your dentist suggests. So, practicing good oral hygiene is the key to recovering swiftly after dental implant surgery.

 

#6 The Healing Process Is Not Complex

Most people face minimum discomfort after undergoing a dental implant procedure. Your body’s natural healing mechanism will take care of the gum and abutment fusion.

Generally, the complete healing period will lie between six weeks to five months. This phase is, however, subjective. Good oral hygiene habits, proper diet, and rest influence the recovery time.

Also, the stitches dissolve naturally in a week or two. It is thus vital to visit your dentist’s clinic to receive expert updates and suggestions.

 

 #7 You Should Avoid Smoking

Nicotine is harmful to your overall health. In the case of dental implants, here’s how this substance hampers systematic recovery:

  • It reduces blood flow and constricts the vessels
  • Nicotine impacts the flow of oxygen to the bones and oral tissues negatively
  • There is an increased chance of implant failure
  • Smoking affects your immune response

Overall, it is better to quit or at least avoid smoking after dental implant surgery. This harmful addiction can slow down the process of healing.

So, ensure that you overcome the habit or addiction by virtue of such a dental procedure.

 

#8 It Is Vital to Practice Long-term Care

You should practice proper dental maintenance even after recovering entirely from dental implant surgery.

Consider the implants as your natural teeth. Hence, brushing twice a day and flossing at least once daily should be standard practices in your routine. Cleaning your teeth and implants regularly will prevent the issue of bacteria buildup.

This way, you do not have to face the problem of inflammation or bone loss. Such routine long-term practices will help maintain the grip or anchorage of the implant in your bone. So artificial teeth will not fall down in the future.

For guided care, choosing a reliable dental expert proves as a pivotal decision.

 

In A Nutshell

In most cases, recovering from a dental implant in Queen Anne Seattle, procedure is straightforward. The surgery does not involve an intricate process. So, the chances of side effects are minimal.

As a patient, it is still vital that you follow some notable tips to recover quickly. Some helpful recovery suggestions include adequate rest, nutritious food, ample hydration, and good oral hygiene.

Furthermore, you should avoid strenuous activities, smoking, and alcohol intake. The aftercare tips do not involve any other complex requirements. Still, you can speed up the recovery process and stay wise when choosing a dental clinic.

So, choose an experienced dentist and enjoy the benefits of dental implants per your requirement.  

What is dental implant and how it is similar and different from natural teeth

Getting a dental implant sounds scary at the outset. The stigma around implant surgeries and their prices does not help either. However, buying into these false stereotypes can make you neglect your dental health. 

So, instead of shying away from the procedure, learn everything about it. 

Once you are familiar with the ins and outs of dental implants, you will be able to appreciate how painless and effective the treatment is. To help with this, let’s dive into what dental implants are and how they compare to your natural teeth.

 

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a replacement for your tooth roots. They are embedded in your jawbone and form a strong foundation for your artificial tooth. 

These replacement teeth are custom made to fit your mouth and match your other teeth. Once anchored to the implant, you will not be able to tell your artificial and natural teeth apart. 

Major Components

Any dental implant is composed of three components:

  1. Titanium Screw

This is the primary component of the implant. Made out of high-grade titanium, this screw post is inserted into your jawbone where the tooth is missing. 

Once in place, this screw lies entirely hidden inside your jawbone and is only visible on an x-ray. It will also fuse with your bone to provide natural support to your tooth and jaw. This allows you to chew and speak naturally without a hassle. 

  1. Abutment

The abutment is a metal connector. It will be screwed onto your implant after you have healed from your implant surgery. It is crucial to hold your replacement tooth in place.

  1. Dental Prosthetics

This is the visible part of your dental implant. Your artificial tooth can be a bridge, a crown, or a denture. Getting only dentures or crowns makes your teeth look natural but does not mimic the functioning of real teeth. 

 

Are they Painful?

It is easy to see why getting implants screwed into your jawbone might not seem appealing. But in reality, you have nothing to worry about.

During the procedure, local anesthesia will be administered. This way, you will not feel any pain from any of the instruments used. 

But you might feel the following post-surgery symptoms:

  • Slight pain and inflammation when the anesthesia wears off
  • Discomfort and mild pain for 3-5 days post treatment

But usually, most patients report feeling lesser pain than from a tooth extraction. Moreover, your dentist will prescribe over-the-counter pain medicine to ensure your comfort.

 

Implants v/s Natural Teeth

 

When you think about getting implants, the first question usually always is, ‘how good of a replacement are they?’. 

So, here is a comparison.

Similarities

Here is how dental implants look and function exactly like your natural teeth:

Strength

Dental implants are considered as strong as your natural teeth. They are way better than any other teeth replacement alternative in that they fuse with the bone and form a tough root. Additionally, unlike dentures and crowns, they cannot slip from their position, nor do they impact your ability to speak or chew naturally. 

Long-Lasting

Much like your natural teeth, implants are built to be long-lasting. In fact, if you maintain proper oral hygiene, they should last for more than 20 years. 

Visual Impact

The prosthetic part of the dental implant is custom-made. It is built to fit your mouth perfectly and look like your natural teeth. 

Additionally, the porcelain used to make the crown accurately matches the size, shape, color, texture, and translucency of your existing teeth. But, if you want your tooth to stand out, you can also opt for a metal crown. 

Dental Care

You do not have to adopt a separate dental care routine for your implants. Your regular brushing and flossing routine is sufficient to take care of your implants. 

Note: If you suffer from Bruxism, you might need to wear a nightguard to protect your replacement tooth. 

 

Implants v/s Natural Teeth: Differences

Listed below is how your implants differ from your existing teeth:

Bone Attachment

The fundamental difference between the two is how they attach to the bone. The properties of titanium enable it to fuse directly to the bone.

On the other hand, your natural teeth never fuse with the bone. They are connected via the periodontal ligament. The fibers of this ligament go into your tooth on one end and into the bone on the other. 

Decay

While your natural teeth might decay, your replacement teeth will not. However, there is still the risk of bacteria build-up and premature implant wear. So, do not slack on your oral hygiene. 

Bacterial Infections

The fibers connected to your natural teeth protect them against bacterial invasion. This way, they stop the progression of gum disease. However, this protection is absent in your dental implant.

So, your implants are more susceptible to bacterial infection and inflammation than your regular teeth without proper dental care.

Tooth Movement

The periodontal ligament acts as a suspension system. It absorbs and dissipates the chewing forces to the jawbone, enabling micromovements. 

This adjustment is not possible with your dental implant. 

 

To Sum Up

 

Advancement in dental technology has enabled the creation of innovative solutions like dental implants. The advantages and high success rate of the procedure speak for themselves. So, if you think implants are a suitable option for you, do not hesitate to book your appointment today!

How to take care of your dental implant.

One common question we get from patients at Pure Dental Arts is on how to properly clean around dental implants. Because of the differences in supporting structure of the dental implant, it can be just as vulnerable to bacteria, inflammation, and bone loss, just like natural teeth! The name of the disease process for implants is called Peri-implantitis. It somewhat mirrors periodontitis of natural teeth.

It is important that you come for your regular cleaning appointment. At that appointment your dentist or hygienist will remove the plaque that has accumulated around your implant crown.  Your dentist/hygienist will also assess the following factors:

1) soft tissue assessment: checking for any abnormality in the gum tissues around the implant, like swelling, color changes, etc.

2) plaque index: amount of plaque around implant

3) bleeding on probing: whether there is any bleeding upon probing. Lack of bleeding means the implant is stable and healthy. If there is bleeding then efforts by both the patient and the dentist will be made to reduce it, this means regular cleanings and proper homecare.

As a patient, what can you do to better clean around your implant? A lot of patients may struggle to keep their implant clean due to the different contour and shape of the dental implant. We highly recommend the use of interproximal brushes over traditional floss when cleaning between your implant, as well as making your regular maintenance appointments. In the case that you have persistent inflammation around the implant that is not going away, we may have to refer you to a Periodontist for diagnosis and treatment.

References

1. Van Velzen, F.J., Lang, N.P., Schulten, E.A., Ten Bruggenkate, C.M. Dentalfloss as a possible risk for the development of peri-implant disease: an observational study of 10 cases. Clin Oral Implants Res.2016 May;27(5):618-21 Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26261052

2.Louropoulou, A., Slot, D.E., Barendregt, D.S., van der Weijdent, F.A. Prevention and Treatment of Peri-implant Diseases: Current Evidence on Cleaning of Titanium Dental Implant Surfaces. Int J of Evid Based Pract Dent Hygienist. 2017;3(2): 128-141. Doi: 10.1111607/ebh.137.

3.  https://www.todaysrdh.com/implant-maintenance-an-overview/

4.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28920972/#:~:text=Air%20abrasive%20devices%20appear%20to,to%20have%20the%20best%20potential.