Dental Implants Can Change Your Smile Forever

Losing teeth and replacing them with dentures used to be almost a rite of passage. It was to be expected, just like going gray or needing glasses. Dental implants are now taking the place of traditional dentures and have become a popular alternative when oral health problems arise.

Dental implants are not complex in their design, but it does take some planning to have the procedure done. The procedure consists of a titanium screw being placed into the bone and then a prosthetic tooth being placed on top of the screw. Over time, the titanium screw grows into and becomes part of the bone, essentially becoming a new and much improved “root”.

There are some cases where this procedure is not a possible alternative to traditional dentures. If you have bone issues or there is not enough bone tissue available then the implant cannot be placed. Additionally, if the original tooth loss was due to poor hygiene, those habits must be changed to ensure the success of future oral care.

Candidates for implant procedures are those patients who have teeth that need to be replaced and have good bone structure and density to withstand the placement and engraftment of the titanium post. Entire sets of teeth or individual teeth can be replaced - it really depends on the patient’s needs.

If you are considering dental implants, you should talk with your dentist about your choices. Like any medical or dental procedure, there are always some risks involved. Obviously there will be some pain involved in the procedure, but that can be minimized with the help of pain relievers prescribed and/or administered by your dentist. There is also a slight risk of failure for the implant to engraft into the bone. While this risk is small, it is always a possibility. Success rates for this type of procedure are high, so the risk of an implantation failing is very low and is usually eliminated by a second attempt.

Dental implants can provide the ability to communicate more effectively and eat more healthfully. Patients also have more self-confidence in that they are no longer embarrassed by the condition of their teeth and can smile radiantly without the need to hide. While dental implants cannot solve every tooth problem that exists, they do make a big difference in the lives of those who have this procedure done.

The first step you should take if you are interested in this type of solution is to talk with your dentist. He will be able to evaluate your individual oral health and make recommendations accordingly. If your dentist does not perform this delicate procedure, he should be able to recommend a colleague that is able to serve you.