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Dental Implants: A Viable Alternative to Dentures

Dental implants offer a wide variety of benefits over traditional dentures. These small dental appliances are inserted into the lower and or upper jaw, helping to restore the mouth when there are few to no viable natural teeth. Many patients are choosing dental implants rather than traditional dentures as they feel like natural teeth, improve speech and appearance, help facilitate proper chewing and provide support for removable dentures or fixed bridge work. There are different types of dental implants for people to choose from, making them a fantastic option to give you the healthy looking smile you want for years to come.

While many patients want dental implants, there are a variety of considerations to be reviewed before a dentist will consider a patient as a candidate for dental implants. Patients must be healthy and have a normal healing process. Heavy smoking and drinking may affect the success of dental implants. The placement and technique of situating the implant is just as important as the post surgery oral hygiene treatment plan the patient follows after the tooth has been anchored.

Patients who are approved for dental implants can then choose from an artificial bone substitute, endosteal implants, or subperiosteal impants. Dental implants made of an artificial bone substitute feature a synthetic bone that is fitted on the top of the bone, helping to rebuild the shrinking ridge and support the dentures. The minerals within the implant are the same found in natural bone, which helps them bond to the existing jaw bone. Endosteal implants are inserted into the bone to serve as the tooth’s root. An option for patients who cannot wear conventional dentures is subperiosteal implants that are made of a lightweight metal that is fitted directly onto the existing bone.

There are some health risks when using dental implants. As implants are made of biologically compatible materials that are largely metals, including titanium, they may cause an antigen-antibody response which could cause rejection of the implants.

The dental implant placement procedure is performed by an oral surgeon and takes several visits for a complete and successful implantation. Today’s dental implants are virtually impossible to distinguish from regular teeth once the implant is finished. The dentist will recommend a post operative treatment plan based on your health and the extent of the dental implantation.

This procedure can be performed at any age to replace missing teeth as long as bone growth is complete. Additional treatment may be required before the implantation procedure can be performed if a patient has certain medical conditions including diabetes, cancer or periodontal disease.

If you are looking for a viable option for replacing missing teeth that doesn’t include traditional dentures, contact your dentist and ask about the many benefits of dental implantation.

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