What are dental implants?
Dental implants are artificial teeth that are screwed into the jaw to hold and support a replacement tooth. The screw bores into the jawbone, just like the root of the tooth, providing a strong foundation for a crown. Unlike dentures, implants are fixed and permanently held in the jaw, and can be made to look and feel exactly like your own teeth. Implants can also support a bridge, and thus eliminate the need for a partial denture. In cases of severe accident, many healthy individuals have had all their teeth replaced with implants with great success. Unlike a bridge which requires support from a healthy teeth, each tooth can have its own implant. With good underlying health with adequate bone and gum health, implants can last for life.
Implants Types
There are two types of dental implant. By far the most common is the screw placed in the bone which is called an endosteal implant. Each implant support one or more false teeth. A subperiosteal implant is placed on the bone, or on top of the jaw so that the metal posts protrude through the gum to hold the false teeth in place. These implants are typically for patients with bone loss or who are unable to wear traditional dentures. Patients who are sensitive to metal often prefer to use Zirconia implants that are metal free and 100% bio-compatible.
What are the advantages of Dental Implants? Dental implants have several distinct advantages over dentures and bridges. Dental implants are integrated into the bone, and can act to prevent bone and gum loss, which is often a feature of dentures and bridges. Each tooth is individually supported by its own screw, and does not compromise the health of other teeth, as with a bridge. From a consumer point of view, the major benefits are that an implant can made to be as reliable and esthetically pleasing as a normal tooth. You can bite with comfort, confident in the knowledge that nothing is going to wobble around in the mouth or come unstuck.
What are the dis-advantages of Dental Implants?
Implants are not for everyone. You need to be in good overall health, and have no significant gum disease and decent bone health. Cost is also a major factor. Implant need to be fitted by a highly skilled oral surgeon. They require several visits and time to heal and set properly. Some implants for whatever reason just don't set and heal well. There is a chance that this could happen to you. Certain individuals have a powerful reaction to metal within the mouth. If two or more large titanium implant screws are placed in the mouth, and electric charge is conducted by the saliva, in effect, creating a small battery. Although the voltage is very low, certain individuals are more susceptible than other. However, the single biggest disadvantage is cost. Each tooth will ideally require its own implants. Implant vary in cost from $600 for the cheapest to $10,000 or more for the best quality surgeons and materials.
Who is a good Candidate for Implants?
An ideal candidate will have strong bone and gums and will be of good health. The implants need to be inserted into bone. Significant bone loss makes a good outcome less likely. If you have periodontal problems, again gum disease can be an issue when having an implant. You will need to work with your periodontist and implant specialist to work together on the optimum solution for your health needs.
What are common implant problems ?
By far the most common complaint of dental implant wearers is that of peri-implantitis, or inflammation and swelling of the tissues surrounding the dental implants. Peri-implantitis is caused by bacteria and other organisms in the area. This can lead to bone loss and can cause the implant to fail. Usually, this is function of the consumers home cleansing routine. If the consumer does not follow instructions and neglects good dental hygiene problems will inevitably occur. The implant needs to be kept clean and free of plaque to prevent the build up of bacteria. More serious is nerve damage caused by poor placement of the dental implant..When placed too close, or even, in some cases, right on top of nerve, the patient can be in severe pain.
Implants are mechanical devices, and even a titanium screw can bend, break or become loose, especially if you grind your teeth. Implants are particularly hard to get straight. Many rushed implant jobs result in a markedly crooked alignment.
Another dental implant problem is breakage. The implant will have the tendency to bend and break because it is basically made of titanium or other metals. The only remedy or solution for this case is replacing the implant with a new one.
Loose or unsteady implant is another common dental implant problem. This problem could occur if the technique used in placing the implant is not right. This can also be caused by poor osseointegration or failure to integrate the implant with the bone material. Excessive force from teeth grinding or biting can also make the implant wobbly. Who is a good Candidate for Implants?
An ideal candidate will have strong bone and gums and will be of good health. The implants need to be inserted into bone. Significant bone loss makes a good outcome less likely. If you have periodontal problems, again gum disease can be an issue when having an implant. You will need to work with your periodontist and implant specialist to work together on the optimum solution for your health needs.
