Dental Implants

The dental implant is a revolutionary dental technology that has transformed the field of restorative dentistry over the last two decades. It is a superior solution to dental bridges and dentures which are the two traditional ways to replace missing teeth. Dental implants have clear advantages over these two treatments, and millions of patients around the world are benefiting from this technology.

Unlike traditional bridges, dental implants do not compromise the strength of the neighboring teeth in any way. The results with dental implants are highly predictable and the success rate is over 95 percent when an experienced implant dentist performs the procedure. The best part is that a dental implant is usually a permanent solution. With proper oral hygiene practices, the implant may last a lifetime without any trouble.

Dental implants do not require any special maintenance. Both cosmetically and functionally, the implant very closely adopts the role of a natural tooth. The patient is likely to forget about the implant within a few days of use, and outsiders may never know about it.

When a patient loses a tooth, the bone corresponding to that area begins to shrink and over a period of time, the resulting bone loss will become significant. The dental implant can stop the bone recession because the body accepts the implant as a natural tooth root. The implant integrates with the bone, and behaves perfectly like a natural tooth.

If a patient is to reap the full benefits of dental implants, he or she should possess a good amount of bone in the affected area and there should also be good width to keep the implant in place tightly. Patients are advised to maintain good oral hygiene and attend the regular visits with the dentist so that he or she can monitor the status and the success of the implants.

The recovery period from a dental implant procedure primarily depends on the number of implants placed. As a result of modern dental technology, if one or two dental implants are placed, then the resulting post-operative discomfort will be very minimal, giving the patient the opportunity to go back to work almost immediately. However, if numerous implants are placed in an elderly patient, then the recovery period can last longer. As a result of the extensive nature of the procedure, some post-operative swelling will occur and can take up to a week to resolve.

For effective and successful results from dental implants, choosing the right dentist is vital. Patients need to research their chosen dentist’s education, where they got their implant training. Next, they need to check on the doctor’s experience with respect to the number of implants they have placed and for how many years have they been practicing. Advance training through certification programs and experience in handling a wide range of cases will ensure a good result.