Important Facts About Dental Implants

Missing teeth are a frustrating but common problem millions of adults face. Dental bridges and dentures have filled gaps in peoples’ smiles for decades, but dental implants have rapidly become the new standard in permanent tooth replacement options for some very good reasons.

Here are the top 10 facts you should know about dental implant restorations.

1. Dental implants are the gold standard for modern tooth replacement.

There are several options for replacing missing teeth, but dental implants have rapidly become the premier choice for most adults. They strongly mimic real teeth in look and feel, not to mention they provide a level of stability and strength not possible with dental bridges or dentures. You might say they are the next best thing to healthy, natural teeth.

2. Dental implants can replace one, several, or a full arch of teeth.

Dental implants are surprisingly versatile. Individual dental implants are perfect as single-tooth implants for replacing one missing tooth or a few throughout your smile. You can also replace a row of missing teeth, replace your entire upper or lower arch, or undergo a full mouth restoration. 

3. Individual dental implants have a unique three-piece design.

Did you know that single-tooth implants are composed of three separate pieces? The implant post is the part your dentist places within your jawbone and functions just like a tooth’s root. An abutment then goes on the top of this post and serves as the foundation for your new tooth. Finally, atop the abutment is a dental crown, artistically sculpted and colored to match the rest of your smile.

4. Implant technology can be combined with dentures and bridges.

As mentioned, dental implants can replace either rows or full arches of teeth. This extensive coverage is possible because dentists can combine implant technology with prosthetics closely resembling traditional full and partial dentures or bridges. You get the best of both worlds without the inherent downsides of non-implant restorations.

5. You only need four to eight implants for full arch replacements.

Even if you need a full arch of dental implants, you don’t need a bunch of individual implants. Your dentist can transform your smile with implant-supported dentures placed atop four to eight dental implants spaced throughout the arch. The exact number of implants you’ll need depends on your jaw size, jaw shape, and bone density. 

6. Titanium implant posts are ideally suited for osseointegration.

The world of dentistry is always advancing, but titanium remains the best material for osseointegration, the process of bone fusing to an artificial implant. Titanium is widely used in the medical field for joint replacement surgery and improving mobility for amputees. Naturally, it’s the perfect material for encouraging quick healing and lifelong stability.

7. Bone grafts are often necessary when bone loss has occurred.

In order for successful osseointegration, your jawbone must have enough density to support an implant. Bone grafts allow your dentist to strengthen your jaw by adding real or synthetic bone prior to dental implant surgery. They can be done when the post is placed, but larger grafts may need to be placed several months in advance to ensure proper healing. You may need a graft if your teeth were pulled a while ago or if your tooth loss was due to periodontitis attacking the teeth, gums, and bone structure.

8. Oral surgery for dental implants is safe and done in an office.

Implants are a form of dental surgery, so the procedure is inherently more invasive than other restorations, but don’t let that stop you. Dental implant surgery is very safe, and your dentist will only recommend it if you’re medically well and healthy. Your dentist can even place your implant in their own office, a place you’re already comfortable visiting. Sedation dentistry services are often encouraged, with nitrous oxide or oral sedation options to aid in relaxation or complete sedation for full mouth restorations.

9. Posts typically last a lifetime, and crowns can last as long as 20 years.

Dental implants may seem complicated when considering the need for dental surgery and the somewhat lengthy healing period of two to four months. However, your patience will be greatly rewarded as they’re the longest-lasting restorative solution for missing teeth. Titanium implant posts typically last a lifetime, and most dental crowns will last 15 to 20 years before they need to be replaced. 

10. Dental implants benefit oral, physical, and emotional health.

The popularity of dental implants is largely because of how beneficial they are for all aspects of your health. Replacing missing teeth with long-lasting, realistic restorations allows you to speak and eat comfortably, boosts your self-confidence, and prevents further bone loss and other oral health issues relating to tooth loss. Best of all, they’re easy to take care of; you simply clean them just like you do your natural teeth. 

Are dental implants your ideal tooth-replacement solution?

Healthy adults with adequate jaw density are typically ideal candidates for dental implants, but there’s no way to know for certain without an evaluation by an experienced implant dentist in Corpus Christi. Our team can perform a thorough evaluation and explain what you can expect from your customized dental implant treatment plan. Book your dental implant consultation today by calling our office or requesting your visit online.