Did you know in the United States of America, nearly 178 million people have at least one missing tooth, and around 40 million Americans are missing all of their teeth? This means that nearly 30 percent of the adults who are between the ages of 65 and 74 have lost all of their permanent teeth and are relying on tooth replacement options like dentures, dental bridges, or crowns to help them eat and speak properly.
Several genetic or environmental factors can lead to missing teeth or tooth loss. People who have poor oral health and hygiene frequently experience premature tooth loss because the decayed teeth fall out when the infection spreads to the roots of the teeth. Other factors such as a facial injury that resulted in broken teeth can also be the reason for a person to seek tooth replacement options.
Moreover, genetic conditions like anodontia and hypodontia can lead to the absence of a few or all of the permanent teeth because, in this case, the teeth fail to develop and grow out of the gums.
To replace missing or broken teeth, dentists may recommend dental implant surgery as a permanent treatment option.
What is Dental Implant Surgery?
Dental implants are metallic screws that are inserted inside your jawbone and work just like the artificial roots for your new teeth. A hole is drilled inside the jawbone, and the metal screw is inserted inside of it. On the top of the screw, there is a metal extension which is known as the abutment. The abutment protrudes out of the gum tissues, and it is on this that your dentist will fix the new teeth.
Dental implants bring a strong and stable foundation inside the jawbone through the natural process of osseointegration, and because of this, your new teeth look and work just like real teeth.
What Materials are Used for Dental Implants?
Dental implant materials include stainless steel, zirconia, titanium and its alloys, gold alloys, cobalt-chromium, and nickel-chromium alloys.
Am I A Candidate for Dental Implant Surgery?
If you want to replace your lost or missing teeth but are not willing to wear dentures, dental bridges, or crowns, then you should consider having a dental implant surgery. To be an ideal candidate for dental implant surgery, the patient must have strong and plentiful jawbones. The person must also be a non-smoker and should maintain good oral health and hygiene. It is important for the person to be in overall good health.
What Are the Requirements for Dental Implant Care?
Unlike dentures, dental bridges, and crowns, dental implants do not require any additional care once the replacement tooth has been fixed on the abutment. However, right after the dental implant surgery or the successful implantation, you will be given a few instructions for the aftercare of your dental implants.
Post dental implant surgery, you will be instructed to avoid hard, solid foods and restrict your diet to liquids like juices or semi-solid foods like stews and soups to ensure that unnecessary pressure is avoided on the surgical site. You will also have to abstain from acidic or spicy foods, as these could inflame your wounds and cause pain and discomfort.
Moreover, you will be instructed to avoid brushing and flossing for at least the first three days so that your wounds get time to heal. However, you can use salt water rinses or mild mouthwashes to rinse your mouth clean and prevent bacterial build-up.
What are the Benefits of Implants?
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Permanent solution for teeth loss or missing teeth
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Looks and feels just like real teeth
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Prevents facial deformation
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Does not require any additional care
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Does not slip like dentures, bridges, or crowns
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Restores your smile
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Allows you to eat and speak comfortably |
Learn More About Dental Implants
Schedule Your Consultation
If you are considering a dental implant surgery to replace your lost or missing teeth, then visit us at A Smiling Heart Dentistry. Give us a call at (425) 558-9998 to book your appointment today.
