Tooth Implant - the benefits 

Tooth Implant – what are the benefits?

Dental implants may be worth considering if you are missing teeth as they are designed to look and act like a real tooth which can significantly boost your self-confidence as well as help you chew your food better. 

As well as making you look good, dental implants can even improve your speech and halt the dreadful process of bone atrophy where the jawbone begins to shrink over time.

The bottom section of a tooth implant is shaped like a screw or nail that is surgically inserted into the jawbone to mimic the support system, like a natural root of a tooth.

An incision is made into the jaw bone, deep enough and wide enough to support the implant. During the following months a process called Osseointegration, takes place in the jaw bone growing new tissue around the implant to help to ensure it remains in place.

Tooth implants are made from titanium because of its durability, its non-corrosive and non-magnetic properties and because of its ability to resist among other things acid, oxygen and salt solutions.

Most importantly, the body does not reject titanium. After the implants have been put into place, the next step involves placement of crowns, dentures or bridge.

The most popular implants are Root-Forms which are suitable for individuals with a sufficient quantity of health bone remaining in their jaw.

However for those who have lost a considerable amount of bone they will benefit from a Ramus-Frame implant. A wire bracket runs along the gum line onto which dentures are placed.

Blade Form implants are similar to Root Forms, except that two blades protrude above the gum line to attach the bridge or crown.

Another option is a Transosseous implant however this type is not popular because of the extensive amount of surgery involved. 

Teeth Problems…..here is the best long term solution.

Although initially dental implants are more expensive than dentures or crowns and bridges, they are designed to last for life. Over the long-term, if the costs are spread divided up the price becomes much more reasonable.

Patients who have implants will tell you they look and perform much better than dentures.  The major draw back with dentures is that the roof of the mouth will always have a thick layer of plastic over it which is highly irritating if you get food stuck under it.

Also, with dentures certain foods like steak, apples and popcorn must be avoided, but with implants, there are no such food restrictions.

The other annoying part of wearing Dentures is that adhesive must be used to secure them in place which can be messy and sticky and not taste very nice to boot. With implants of course there is no need for adhesives at all.

Dental implants may not be suitable for people who suffer poor health, smoke or consume alcohol excessively. If you are taking certain medications, are pregnant or have an underdeveloped jawbone, these conditions make you an unsuitable candidate for dental implants.

If you're interested in a tooth implant, discuss the options with your dentist.