If a tooth is missing, there are many reasons to replace it:
- the way you talk and chew may be affected by missing teeth.
- If a missing tooth is not replaced, the surrounding teeth may move. This may affect the bite.and it can place more stress to your teeth and jaw joints.
- Tipping or drifting teeth is also difficult to clean. This creates a higher risk for tooth decay and gum disease.
- There may be bone loss around the missing tooth.
- Maybe, you don’t like the way a missing tooth affects its appearance..
A Dental Implant is The Next Best Thing After the Real Thing..
Even if nothing can replace your natural teeth, dental implants may come close. Implants have been used for a long time. They are handmade “anchors which are like screws and they are made of titanium and other materials compatible with the human body. A single dental implant is surgically placed in the upper or lower jaw, replacing the root of your missing tooth. An implant looks and moves as if it were a natural tooth. Chew and sleep safely even when talking. It fits safely even when chewing and speaking. A single dental implant does not include the treatment of your other teeth. It can also help you maintain a good bone level around your teeth.
Implant placement steps.
The placement of the implants depends on your anatomy or bone structure, the type of implant, and the tooth being replaced. For some implants you need 2 or 3 appointments and it may takes up one year to complete them. In other implants, a temporary crown may be placed on the same day. You and your dentist can decided about the best one for you.
Most implants include 3 or 4 basic steps:
Implant placement
The implant is placed in your jawbone by your dentist surgically. It is possible to have some swelling and / or tenderness after surgery, therefore, pain relief medications may be given to reduce discomfort. You may be recommended a diet with soft foods throughout the healing process.
The healing process
The thing which makes an implant so strong is that the bone actually grows around it and holds it in place. It is called osseointegration (OSS-eo-in-tee-GRAY-shun), and it takes time. Some people might have to wait till the implant is fully integrated before a permanent replacement tooth can be attached to the implant. This may take a few months. Others can place the implant and a temporary replacement tooth in one visit. The healing length of process depends on the position of the replacement tooth and the kind of implant.
Missing Tooth Replacement
For a single dental implant, your dentist will make a new tooth specifically called a dental crown. this is based on a size, shape and color which blends with the other teeth. After completed, the man-made tooth is attached to the implant pole or abutment.
Are you a good candidate for implant?
You can get help from your dentist to get a dental implant. In many cases, you are a good candidate if:
- your general health is good. Some chronic diseases may slow recovery after surgery and they may prevent successful implant placement.
- you have a jawbone which can support the implant. Even if you lose the bone in your jaw, you can still get an implant. Sometimes the bone should be added with a special procedure known as bone graft.
- you do not use any tobacco products. Using tobacco in any way can be linked to a higher rate of implant failure.
Good oral hygiene is very important to the success of your implant.
You should ensure that the area around the implant is particularly clean. Your dentist may recommend using a special toothbrush called interproximal brush or mouthwash in order to prevent gum problems.
You should also select the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance and oral care products. A product showing the ADA Seal is your assurance that it meets ADA standards for safety and effectiveness. All accepted products help to keep the area around your implant healthy.