According to The American College of Prosthodontists, almost 30 percent of the adults who are between the ages of 65 to 74 have lost their permanent teeth. In the U.S., around 178 million people are missing at least one of their permanent teeth, and another 40 million have lost all of their permanent teeth.
Lack of poor oral health and hygiene, malnutrition, habits like smoking, and even factors like facial injuries can cause teeth to come loose and fall out. In such cases, people consider wearing removable dental devices like
dentures,
overdentures,
crowns, and
bridges to replace their lost teeth.
Some rare genetic disorders like anodontia, hypodontia, and oligodontia hinder the growth and development of permanent teeth, which leads to the person having a few or all of their teeth missing.
In such cases, dentists recommend dental implant surgery to replace missing or lost teeth as it is considered to be a permanent and effective solution for tooth replacement.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are metallic screws that are inserted inside the jawbone to work like artificial roots for replacement teeth. These screws fuse together with the jawbone and form a strong base for the artificial teeth to be firmly held in place. On top of the metal screws, there is a small extension known as an abutment. Abutments protrude out of the gum tissue. Once the dental implant has osseointegrated with the jawbone, the dentist will fix a custom-made tooth on top of the abutment, which will look and work just like a real tooth.
Unlike dentures, crowns, and bridges, dental implants are non-removable as they are drilled and fused inside the jawbone.
Who is a Candidate for Dental Implants?
All those adults who are missing their permanent teeth and are looking for a long-term solution for tooth replacement are ideal candidates for dental implants. Those people who are against the idea of using dental devices like dentures, crowns, and bridges are also ideal candidates for dental implant surgery. Dental implant surgery can only be conducted on patients that have a strong and full jawbone to hold the dental implant in place. People who are considering dental implant surgery should be in overall good health and must practice regular oral hygiene to keep their new teeth and dental implants free from bacteria and infections.
What are Dental Implants Made From?
Dental implants are commonly made from titanium and titanium alloys as it is known to fuse easily with bones. Other materials used for dental implants are stainless steel, gold alloys, cobalt-chromium, and nickel-chromium alloys. The history of dental implants dates back to 2000 BC in China when they were made with bamboo posts. How Do I Take Care of My Dental Implants?
Right after the dental implant surgery, your diet will be restricted to liquid or semi-solid foods to avoid causing strain on the surgical site. You will also be advised to avoid spicy and hot food as it could lead to inflammation of the wounds. For at least the first few days, you will be advised not to brush or floss your teeth and instead use a mouthwash or salt water rinses to remove bacteria and food debris. You may clean the surgical site with soft and clean gauze but try not to exert pressure on the wound as it will prolong the recovery time.
After the tooth has been fixed on top of the metal abutment, you can clean it the same way you clean the rest of your teeth. Unlike dentures, dental crowns, and bridges, dental implants don’t require any special care.
What are the Benefits of Implants?
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Permanent solution for tooth replacement
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Looks and feels just like the real teeth
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Restores smile
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Saves the face from deformation
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Does not need extra care or maintenance
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Improves speech
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Comfortable and convenient |
At Bay Lakes Center for Complex Dentistry, our expert team is always prepared and well-equipped to deal with all kinds of dental surgeries. If you’re looking to get dental implants, give us a call at (920) 278-7678.
GREEN BAY (920) 278-7678
