If you have a missing tooth gap and are looking for information on replacement options, then chances are that you’ve come across the term ‘dental implant’. In this post we answer the question ‘what is a dental implant?’ and discuss how it can benefit you.
Firstly, What Exactly Is A Dental Implant?
Dental implants have changed the way that we view restorations for missing teeth. Replacements like partial or full dentures, for example, can be difficult to wear while conventional bridges come with a whole host of compromises. Dental implants offer patients the chance of replacement teeth which look, feel, and function just like your normal teeth.
Dental implants are metal posts or screws (typically made from titanium) which are surgically placed into the jawbone at the site of a missing tooth. Once in position, they can support a variety of restorations including a lifelike dental crown which the dentist will fit.
So now you know the answer to the question ‘what is a dental implant?’ let’s take a closer look at how they work…
Dental implants are actually pretty clever. While they may at first seem like a lightweight metal rod, they have been technically engineered to mimic a natural tooth root.
So why is this important?
Because when a tooth is missing, the bone tissue that once supported the natural tooth root is no longer needed. When this happens, the body naturally reabsorbs the bone tissue, taking it away from the site and causing bone shrinkage. Unfortunately, bone shrinkage can lead to a whole host of problems including ill-fitting restorations (particularly dentures), further tooth loss and ageing.
When a titanium implant is anchored into the jawbone during dental implant surgery, it tricks any remaining bone tissue into thinking that it is, in fact, a tooth root. As a result, the remaining bone tissue at the implant site is re-stimulated, thus halting the bone loss process.
Aside from halting the bone loss process, dental implants are also cleverly designed in such a way that they fuse with any remaining bone. This process technically known as osseointegration provides a super-strong foundation which when topped with a dental crown is highly unlikely to move. This is especially important when eating, chewing and speaking. Ultimately this helps dental implants to feel more natural in the mouth than conventional bridges and dentures which can be prone to movement or embarrassing slippage.
So, Who Is Eligible For Dental Implants?
Because implant-based restorations require dental implant surgery it stands to reason that the patient needs to be medically fit. By this we mean, not being grossly overweight (obese), doesn’t suffer from, heart conditions, or any other medical problems which may put the patient at risk during the dental implant surgery process, such as high blood pressure.
In addition, patients need to have
- Healthy gums for the titanium post to be surgically implanted into
- Sufficient bone (or be a good candidate for bone grafting) and
- Practise good oral hygiene habits.
Finally, substances contained within tobacco smoke (namely nicotine) have been proven to slow down or even stop the bone fusion process. So patients who do smoke will need to stop well before any dental implant surgery takes place, and for a considerable while after.
How Can Dental Implants Benefit You?
Dental implants have many benefits over conventional dentures and bridges, some of which we have already covered.
Aside from halting the bone loss process – which no other restoration can do, dental implants provide both strength and function that is unrivalled by other smile restorations.
As an example, because a conventional denture sits on the gum line the bite force or chewing capability is typically just 20% to 30% of your natural teeth. More often than not this prevents wearers from enjoying the foods they particularly enjoy. Conversely, dental implants provide somewhere between 85% and 95% of the biting capability of your natural teeth, allowing you to eat whatever you like without compromising dietary or healthy eating requirements.
Another benefit of undergoing dental implant surgery is that because the titanium post is placed directly into the jaw bone, subsequent crowns don’t rely on the support of any remaining natural teeth. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for traditional dental bridges whereby so-called abutment teeth need to be reworked to take the false bridging crowns. This can in turn compromise those teeth in the future.
Finally, the other benefit of dental implants is of course peace-of-mind. Once dental implant surgery has taken place and bone fusion has taken occurred, your implant is unlikely to ever move. This means that it can be used to support various restorations including a single crown, a dental bridge, or a partial denture.
Dental implants patients can therefore smile, eat, and speak with confidence knowing that their restoration is as stable as it possibly can be.
Unfortunately, other restorations like conventional dentures don’t have that luxury and are prone to movement which can be uncomfortable and embarrassing for the wearer.
The key takeaway
Dental implants are about as near perfect tooth restorations as 21st-century dentistry will allow. They provide ideal functionality, sublime aesthetics, and decades of hassle-free use.
So the question is… now you understand what a dental implant is and how it can benefit you in the long-term, would you consider undergoing a dental implant surgery process to bring out the best in your smile?
Here at No Gaps Dental, we use the latest technology and gentle dental techniques to provide patients with comfortable implant surgery culminating in minimal downtime.
To find out more about dental implants and how they can help you, call at (02) 8806 0227 . Our experienced team have the skills to perfectly restore your smile, once and for all.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.