Denture wearers know the problems that are just part of having dentures: loose dentures; especially the bottom denture; dealing with adhesives; food getting caught between the denture and the gum; and daily cleaning. When someone loses their teeth, they may think that dealing with the hassles of dentures is their only option. There is a better way. Dental implants are a permanent solution to missing teeth; in fact, they are so close to having your real teeth that the only real difference is the material they are made of.
Dental implants are surgically inserted into the jawbone, and then topped with artificial teeth. After healing, having dental implants is virtually the same as having your natural teeth again. They are cared for in the same way as real teeth, by brushing and flossing.
Implants have numerous advantages over dentures, including:
• They are permanent, non-removable teeth just like real ones
• They stop the bone loss that begins as soon as real teeth are lost
• They are natural-looking and keep you looking younger due to the lack of bone loss and the prevention of sagging cheeks
• They don’t require the purchase of special cleansers or adhesives
• They don’t slip like dentures, making for easier eating and no food caught between teeth and gums
Dental implants are posts made of titanium that are implanted into the jawbone. A connecting piece, called an abutment, is fixed to the top of the post, and then the crown, which is the actual artificial tooth, is fixed to the top of the abutment. The titanium will in time fuse to the jawbone, making the teeth strong and permanent.
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[/media-credit]Not everyone is a candidate for dental implants. In order for them to work, a patient must have enough bone in their jaw for the titanium posts to fuse to. Because bone begins to deteriorate when natural teeth are lost, some people who have been without teeth for many years may not be able to get implants. An exam by a dentist is necessary to determine if you can get implants. If not, there are other options, such as implant-supported dentures, that might be possible.
Implants can replace one tooth or an entire mouthful of teeth. If you are interested in the possibility of getting dental implants, the sooner you act, the more likely it is that you’ll have enough bone and be a good candidate for the procedure. Some people with certain health issues, including diabetes, may be advised by a dentist against getting implants, but that can be determined after a consultation with and examination by your implant dentist. Smoking also increases the chance of implant failure.
So if you are considering options to replace uncomfortable dentures, schedule a consultation about dental implants today.
