The loss of one’s adult teeth can be sometimes embarrassing and uncomfortable to deal with. Having missing teeth can lead to problems with eating, speaking, drinking and confidence levels. The most popular artificial tooth replacement options are dental implants, dentures and bridges. Though there are a few different options out there for tooth replacement, it is important to discuss which procedure is best for you.
Dental implants are natural looking and have recently become a very popular procedure to help recover the smiles of patients with missing teeth. This procedure has been known to have a long recovery but some of the best results. Considered a cosmetic procedure, dental implants are an option that a patient can choose in order to obtain a beautiful smile that functions just as a normal set of adult teeth would. The process generally takes one consultation visit followed by an actual procedural visit to install your new set of implant tooth anchors. After a ‘healing period’, the implant procedure is finalized.
The dental implantation procedure takes place in a few steps. First, an x-ray and oral exam need to be completed by a dentist or oral surgeon. It is at this time that some patients find that they are not a valid candidate for this procedure because they have jawbone damage that inhibits the jaw from being able to support the implants. If you are approved for the procedure, a date will be set.
On the day of the first surgery in our clinic in Houston, TX you will be sedated and a dental implant, or multiple implants if you have multiple missing teeth, will be placed at the site of the missing tooth and rooted into the jawbone.
Occasionally, one implant can act as an anchor for many implants as a result of the implant being attached to the jawbone. Implants are usually made of titanium and act as a root. After this procedure, our dental implant specialist allows the patient to heal for around 4 months. During these four months, the titanium root implant will fuse with the jawbone, creating a strong enough base for the artificial teeth to be attached. After the healing process is over, minor surgery will be performed to expose the top of the titanium root implant. After the implant is exposed, a post is attached.
Next, an oral health professional will make an impression of the mouth and the implanting teeth are attached. The teeth that are connected to the posts of the anchor are natural-looking and will be as strong as real teeth. Foods that cannot be typically eaten by other prosthetic teeth wearers, such as apples, are again available as the patient begins regaining bite strength and becomes more comfortable with chewing.
These implants can then be treated as if they are real teeth, and require a twice-daily brushing and flossing as regular teeth do. These implants can last 15-20 years, or even a lifetime if they are maintained with care.
Although the dental implant procedure is a bit more costly, in the long run, it pays itself off with strength, endurance, visual appeasement, and a reduced risk of needing another implant procedure.
Dentures, unlike dental implants, are removable. As a result, they require a significantly larger amount of care than dental implants. Dangers of losing the dentures and breaking or wearing them down are increased because of their need to be physically removed from your mouth from time to time. Dentures are secured by a paste, which can become a burden to the patient who has to apply it. Since paste is not as reliable as surgical implants, dentures can slip around in the mouth, which is not only frustrating for the one wearing the dentures but can cause problems for them. This paste also needs to be cleaned off every evening by removing the dentures entirely, thus resulting in longer time spent worrying about your oral health and care.
Slipping dentures can cause issues with eating, drinking or speaking. Dentures have also been known to cause gum irritation and sores in the mouth, due to slipping and removal. Some have even reported that while wearing dentures during eating, tasting their food can be difficult. Though recent technologies have made dentures more comfortable for the wearer, they have not been said to be more comfortable and inconspicuous as dental implants.
Dentures are a cheaper option when it comes to artificial tooth replacement, because no surgeries are usually required. Dentures can also come in full or partial sets, depending on the patients need. However, even though they are less expensive than dental implant surgery, dentures typically need replacement every 5 years or so, which makes them a less cost effective option. It should also be noted that often times dealing with dental insurance policies can be an additional headache to the overall concern.
A fixed dental bridge is a non-removable prosthetic tooth that is attached to the remaining teeth around it. The name “bridge” comes from the artificial tooth bridging the gap between the remaining teeth. Like dental implants, they are non-removable, but they are still at risk of certain problems that dental implants are not. Bridge’s used to be the best option for those who have missing teeth, however recent advancements in dental implant strength have made bridges slightly less reliable. Recently it has become apparent that bridge’s can cause several issues for the surrounding teeth that they are attached to. In order for the bridge to be applied, the surrounding teeth must be filed, or they will not accept the appliance.
Bridges have been known to cause unusual plaque buildup, decay, periodontal disease, and a possible need for a root canal in the future. Meanwhile, dental implants have not been known to show any of these symptoms as time passes. Although a cheaper option than dental implants, bridges sometimes need replacements after a few years of wear-and-tear. As a result, bridges have proven to be just as costly, if not more than dental implants.
Dental Implants appear to be the best option for those who are missing teeth, but not everyone is a candidate for them. If it so happens that you are not, the other methods for tooth replacement are satisfactory and can be lived with comfortably when accompanied by a bit of persistence and responsibility.
If you have any questions regarding dental implants or any other artificial tooth replacement technique, contact Greenspoint Dental in Houston, Texas today! You can reach out to us at 281-823-9987 or book an appointment here.
Implants
Am I a good candidate for dental implants?
If you are missing one or more teeth, you can be a candidate for dental implants. You may be missing any number of teeth. However, it is best if you have enough bone in the jaw and are free of gum disease and periodontal disease. It is also recommended for those who don’t want to or are unable to wear dentures. Besides, you must not have any condition that affects bone healing.
What are the benefits?
Dental implants are designed to last a lifetime. Once you lose a permanent tooth due to gum disease or dental decay, dental implants give you the chance to get the same experience as a permanent tooth. They can last much longer than other dental work if you take proper care. They can also improve your looks, ability to take food, and boost your confidence.
How much pain can the procedure cause?
You should expect a certain degree of discomfort during the procedure. It can vary from one person to another. However, the level of discomfort is not as severe as most people anticipate. During the procedure, you will be given an anesthetic. Thus, you will not feel any discomfort. We have clean procedure room environments and we use only gentle techniques, thus reducing discomfort and eliminating any risk of infection.
How long does the procedure take to complete?
There are a number of factors that affect how long your dental implant procedure can take. These factors include your general dental health, the number of teeth that need the procedure, and the need for tooth extraction. Typical procedures involve 2 phases and they can take 3 to 9 months to complete. Patients who require bone grafts or have extractions that need healing can expect even longer timelines.
How long will my dental implants last?
Routine dental care and regular dental check-ups and cleanings are important factors in the longevity of your dental implants. Dental implants have a unique edge over natural teeth in that they are not vulnerable to decay and diseases. The condition of your gums will also have an impact on how long your implant lasts. Your medical history and a number of other factors will also affect the longevity of your implants.
What should I avoid after my procedure?
Smoking is a big ‘NO’ after getting a dental implant. It can cause gum recession and gum disease, thus weakening the implant structure. You should also avoid the application of any form of heat to your face. It can cause swelling. The use of straws can damage the closed wound as it applies a certain amount of pressure. You should avoid anything that can increase the risk of bleeding.
Do dental implants have a success rate?
Yes, dental implants do have a success rate parameter because there are many factors involved. Usually, they should be effective and successful up to 95% of the time. The success rate can vary from one person to another, depending on their habits and health. If you have good oral health and hygiene, and good overall health, you should expect the highest success rate.
Can I remove my dental implants like dentures?
Your dental implants are not removable. They are permanent fixtures. They are attached to the bone in the jawline. This is the closest fixture that comes to your natural teeth. Our dentist will check your medical history and conduct several tests to ensure that you don’t have any previous allergy to titanium. We will take all precautions before starting the procedure.
Can dental implants help me if I have dentures?
Implants are commonly used by people who have partial or full dentures. They are often used to provide support and retention for dentures. This helps fix the denture in place, thus reducing the need for adhesives or glue. Implants can also be used with fixed dentures. In this case, the dentures can be fixed to your implants. However, once fixed they can be removed only by your dentist.
How are dental implants better than other tooth replacement procedures?
Aesthetically, your dental implants will look just like your natural teeth. They will even work like them. Implants also help prevent bone loss. This is the closest to natural teeth that a procedure can get you. You will feel confident about your smile and engage in talking, drinking, and eating without any second thoughts about your teeth budging from their place.