Dental implants have skyrocketed in popularity over the last 50 years and are expected to grow substantially in the next 5 years as well. Implants are an alternative to dentures and bridges that are more comfortable, natural-looking, and functional resulting in an improved quality of life.
Join us as we shine some light on everything there is to know about dental implants.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are made from titanium, are not toxic, and are a more secure solution than dentures or bridges. With these long-term benefits no wonder why implants are the most popular option when replacing broken or rotting teeth. If there isn’t enough bone to support the implant due to aging, gum disease, or an injury a bone graft and/or sinus lift may be needed.
Are Dental Implants Right for me and is the Treatment Painful?
The surgery is not recommended for anyone whose facial bone structure is still developing. The procedure can also be more difficult if you are a smoker, have had radiation therapy, are a teeth grinder, or have diabetes. Your dentist will be able to guide you better in terms of whether or not dental implants may be for you.
Despite how they may sound getting an implant is no more painful than getting a root canal and typically patients don’t require a sedative, only local anesthesia. Some potential complications can include infections at the implant site and damage to your other teeth or nerves in your mouth. Some disadvantages of the treatment can include swelling, bleeding due to the surgery, pain, and anesthesia complications like vomiting, drowsiness, and nausea.
How do you take care of your dental implants?
According to Matthew Young, a diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology “you can take care of a single implant just like you would a regular tooth (brush, floss, and by-yearly dental cleanings). Concerning patients that have had a full-mouth reconstruction, however, he recommends using a water pick to clean the bridge and seeing a dental hygenist with experience cleaning dental implants.
To watch a short video where Dr. Sbenati a restorative and general dentist in London talks about dental implants and how to fix them click here:
What are the Different Types of Dental Implants?
Zygomatic Implants- These are a great option for those with severe bone deficiencies. They are used when all your upper teeth need to be replaced. They are long implants that anchor your upper facial bones.
Mini and Short Implants- These are skinnier or shorter versions of a standard implant that are helpful for patients with bone deficiency. The success rate is not as high as with standard implants.
All-on-4 Implants- In this procedure four standard implant posts per side are used to anchor a full-arch bridge. This option tends to be faster but the bridge is bigger and doesn’t look like natural teeth.
Alternatives to Dental Implants?
Did you know that you can have veneers whitened?
Dental implants are a fantastic solution in most cases but they do fail when not enough bone grows around them. In these situations, your dentist will have to remove them and try again in a few months.
There are other options you may want to consider if this does happen like dentures (fake teeth), a bridge (to replace one or several missing teeth), or porcelain veneers (for covering worn teeth). To watch a short Tik Tok video on what to do when you lose a tooth click here:
Conclusion:
If you are considering dental implants for the first time or have had them for years but they are causing you issues, we are here to help. Do you want to improve your smile with a natural-looking, functional and comfortable solution? Then ask us our dental clinic in London Ontario about dental implants today.
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