Your smile is a gleaming reflection of your inner happiness. But the reverse is also true. As science suggests, the simple act of turning your frown upside down can lift your mood. So what happens when tooth loss threatens to dampen your spirits? That missing gap in your smile can cast a shadow on your confidence, making you feel conscious every time you open your mouth to speak or share a laugh. Thankfully, dental implants offer a permanent solution to this problem.
How do dental implants work? What sets them apart from other teeth replacement options, such as dentures and dental bridges? Keep scrolling to learn about the process and the telltale signs you might need this transformative treatment.
Why Get Dental Implants?
Implant dentistry is the second-oldest dental practice that dates to ancient Egypt. Before, humans would place carved seashells to replace broken teeth. But thanks to technological advances, dentists now use artificial tooth roots made of noncarcinogenic metals and ceramic crowns. Using these tooth-shaped caps makes the procedure safer and more reliable.
The process begins with a comprehensive dental examination to check your bone density and gum condition. If you’re an eligible candidate, the next step is the surgical placement of the screw-like implant into the jawbone in place of your old tooth root.
Previously, it would take up to three months for the implant to fuse with the surrounding bone, a process called osseointegration. Luckily, advancements in dentistry now allow for immediate loading and restoration, reducing the time required based on the suitability of each case. Then, the treating doctor attaches an abutment to the top and covers this with a new crown.
Dental implants are considered a terrific option for tooth replacement because of numerous reasons:
- According to a 2021 clinical study, they have a higher success rate (98.5%) than dentures (92%).
- Implants don’t damage the surrounding healthy teeth, unlike bridges.
- They let you floss, brush your teeth, and eat normally without any problem.
- How long do dental implants last? With proper maintenance, your new teeth can last for up to 20 years.
How Dental Implants Can Benefit You
Dental implants can significantly improve your quality of life! Here are some benefits that make them a worthwhile investment.
They can replace your missing tooth.
Accidents happen. Whether you’ve fallen victim to the slippery floor or suffered an injury from rollerblading, a damaged tooth (or teeth!) can affect your ability to chew and pronounce certain words. If you ignore it for too long, the underlying jawbone can also deteriorate because no tooth root supports its growth. The sad part? This can make your face look sunken.
They provide a solution for decaying teeth.
According to a study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, tooth decay and gum disease are the most common causes of tooth extraction. When it comes to cavities, many people only seek dental attention when they experience pain in their teeth. However, this often indicates that the dentin is decayed and the damage has already reached the nerves. On the other hand, severe gum disease can lead to bone and tooth loss. In such cases, dental implants can solve your predicament.
Another bonus? Dental implants are not susceptible to cavities because of their metal and porcelain composition.
They don’t fall out.
Here’s a little not-so-fun fact: your gum and jaw tissue slowly shrink after tooth extraction. This may then cause dentures to become loose and easily slip off. Additionally, exposure to extremely hot and cold temperatures can bend their shape. And the constant rubbing from ill-fitting dentures will only irritate your gums.
These problems won’t affect your dental implants, though. Once the replacement integrates with your jawbone, they become just as strong as natural teeth. This means you can enjoy a confident smile without worrying about loose dentures or discomfort.
What to Do After Getting Dental Implants?
Is it painful to have dental implants put in? The procedure itself shouldn’t involve any pain, especially with the use of anaesthesia. However, you might feel discomfort once you get home. As such, you should follow these tips to ease your recovery:
- Take prescribed pain medication.
- Limit your physical activities.
- Avoid crunchy, hard, and spicy foods.
Can You Wear Braces If You Have Dental Implants?
Yes, as long as you’re over 18 years old. Dental implants are not suitable for teenagers who haven’t reached skeletal maturity. But yes, it’s possible to have braces before or after your implant placement. They can even help in fixing the alignment of the surrounding teeth. Don’t worry about the brackets moving or damaging the artificial tooth root as it’s deeply attached inside your jawbone.
However, getting braces can make it harder for you to brush and floss. Instead, you can opt for clear aligners, like ClearCorrect, to straighten crooked teeth without discomfort. Plus, they’re barely visible – no one will notice you’re undergoing alignment therapy.
Both orthodontic appliances and dental implants are great investments that go beyond just filling gaps. They can restore your beautiful smile and, most importantly, keep your oral health in tip-top shape. Consult your dentist to determine the most suitable treatment plan for your condition.
References:
Alraheam, I. A., Ngoc, C. N., Wiesen, C. A., & Donovan, T. E. (2018). Five-year success rate of resin-bonded fixed partial dentures: A systematic review. Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry, 31(1), 40-50.
Dental implants – Australian dental association. Teeth.org.au. (n.d.).
French, D., Ofec, R., & Levin, L. (2021). Long term clinical performance of 10 871 dental implants with up to 22 years of follow-up: A cohort study in 4247 patients. Clinical Implant Dentistry and Related Research, 23(3), 289-297.
Gaviria, L., Salcido, J. P., Guda, T., & Ong, J. L. (2014). Current trends in dental implants. Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, 40(2), 50-60.
Marmolejo-Ramos, F., Murata, A., Sasaki, K., Yamada, Y., Ikeda, A., Hinojosa, J. A., Watanabe, K., Parzuchowski, M., Tirado, C., & Ospina, R. (2020). Your face and moves seem happier when I smile. Experimental Psychology, 67(1), 14–22.
Passarelli, P. C., Pagnoni, S., Piccirillo, G. B., Desantis, V., Benegiamo, M., Liguori, A., Papa, R., Papi, P., Pompa, G., & D’Addona, A. (2020). Reasons for tooth extractions and related risk factors in adult patients: A cohort study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(7), 2575.
