If you need one or more teeth replaced, you are probably looking into different replacement options. One very popular option is dental implants.
While implants are strong, long-lasting, and aesthetically pleasing, they also have some prerequisites to be placed. One important factor is the strength of a patient’s jawbone. If a jawbone isn’t strong enough, it can’t hold the implant or implants in place. With that said, there is an option available for some patients to strengthen the jawbone and allow for the placement of dental implants—bone grafting.
Below is information about dental implants, the advantages of implants, bone grafting, and more.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a tooth replacement option that involves the installation of rods (titanium or ceramic) into the jawbone of a patient to hold a false tooth or multiple teeth in place. Dental implants can be used to replace as few as a single tooth and as many as an entire row of teeth.
Why Dental Implants?
There are some fantastic benefits to dental implants that make them a popular option for those looking to replace a missing tooth or multiple missing teeth. Some of the advantages of dental implants include:
- Beautiful appearance: Dental implants are a very appealing tooth replacement option, as the materials can look very similar to natural teeth. While some patients opt for materials that look less organic (like gold), replacement prosthetics made of porcelain and ceramic can look very natural and can even be made to mimic the appearance of the surrounding, healthy teeth. Implants can blend seamlessly with a natural smile and can be very unnoticeable.
- Longevity. Dental implants are well known for their strength, security, and longevity. While the prosthetics will need to be replaced occasionally (lasting upwards of 20 years), the implants themselves can last an entire lifetime.
- Ongoing oral health. Did you know that your teeth can begin to shift over time if there is a gap in your smile? Many people don’t realize that teeth help to hold each other in place. Without a tooth or multiple teeth, the surrounding, healthy teeth may start migrating. This can lead to impacting, crookedness, and crowding. Not only is this aesthetically unappealing, but it can also cause major oral health problems. Without being able to properly brush and floss (due to crookedness and crowding), a patient can develop decay and even infections. These conditions require treatments whose costs can add up over time. Dental implants help to keep teeth in place and prevent migration. This, in turn, makes it easier for a patient to take care of their oral health.
- Confidence. A gap in a person’s smile can lead to lower self-esteem and confidence. Dental implants help to complete the smile of a patient, allowing them to smile wide without fear of people seeing an unattractive gap. This, in turn, can boost their confidence, mood, and self-esteem.
Replacing Bone for Dental Implants
Ideally, your jawbone is strong enough to hold dental implants on its own. That said, it’s not the case for every patient. If your jawbone has begun to deteriorate and can’t hold a dental implant in place, your only option to have an implant placed may be a bone grafting procedure.
During a jawbone grafting procedure, your dentist will use bone material that has been extracted from another part of your body, a donor, a synthetic source, or an animal and graft it to the weaker area of your jawbone. If everything goes well, this will improve the strength and density of your jawbone over time.
While this procedure is an outstanding option for many patients, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. First, the procedure isn’t always successful. Second, the cost of the procedure can be high. Still, a bone grafting procedure can allow for the placement of the most secure replacement option (dental implants) which can last a lifetime.
The Dental Implant Placement Procedure
The first step of the dental implant placement procedure is visiting your dentist for an initial consultation and examination. They will determine what replacement options are available to you (including the placement of dental implants). If you are a candidate for implants, you can discuss the procedure in more detail and schedule your initial appointment. If your dentist determines you are not a candidate due to the integrity of your jawbone, they may discuss the option of a bone grafting procedure.
If your dentist and you choose to move forward, the bone grafting procedure will be performed before the placement of your dental implants. Once the jawbone has healed from the procedure and is strong enough, your dentist can start the process of dental implant placement.
During your first visit, your dentist will provide anesthesia and then surgically implant the titanium or ceramic rod into your jawbone. Once this has been completed, there will be a healing period in which your implant will fuse with the jawbone. Once the implant is secure, a second appointment will be made to place the prosthetic tooth or teeth (via an abutment). This will require a minor, secondary procedure. It’s important to keep in mind, though, that sometimes this process can take more than one appointment. After this process is complete, you’ll simply need to follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions.
Reach Out Today
If you are considering the placement of a dental implant or multiple implants, reach out today to schedule an appointment for an examination and consultation. Your dentist will take a look at your jawbone, gums, and healthy teeth to determine the best treatment option for you. If you have a strong jawbone, you may be a candidate for dental implants. If your jawbone is weaker, your dentist may recommend a bone graft procedure to strengthen your jawbone and allow for the placement of implants.
To learn more, reach out today. We look forward to helping you with your tooth replacement.
