Dental Implants Are a Replacement for Missing Teeth
Tooth loss is one of the most common health problems facing people today. When you have missing teeth, it can affect your confidence and self-esteem and make it difficult to smile or chew properly.
A Robina Dental implant is a titanium post that replaces the root of your missing tooth (view example). This is placed in your jawbone during a minor surgical procedure that usually takes place in the office of your dentist or oral surgeon. Once the implant is stable, a completely lifelike porcelain tooth crown is attached to it.
There are many benefits to choosing dental implants for replacing missing teeth:
No alterations required with healthy natural tooth structure is involved, so it is possible to have as few as two or four implanted to support a removable lower denture, while as few as four or more can provide a full set of upper or lower teeth ( View Examples ). This allows you to maintain your existing jawbone, which can help prevent bone loss and preserve the health of your remaining teeth.
Long-term success and durability: The material used in implants fuses to the jawbone through a process called osseointegration. This means the implant is strong enough to resist decay and gum disease, and it can last 15 to 20 years on average.
Your teeth, gums and jawbone are all intricately connected. Because of this, it is important to work with a periodontist if you are considering dental implants. This is because a periodontist has three years of specialized training to be experts in both the soft tissues and hard tissues that make up your mouth.
During your first visit, your dentist will do a thorough evaluation of your mouth to determine whether you are a good candidate for dental implants. This involves a dental examination and X-rays to see the condition of your teeth, bone and gums.
Once your dentist is confident that you are a good candidate for implants, they will discuss the treatment plan with you. The plan will be based on your dental health, personal goals and budget.
You will need to be committed to maintaining your oral health and regular dental visits. You will also need to be free of severe gum disease, which may interfere with the healing process. Patients with uncontrolled chronic conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure or a history of radiation therapy to the head and neck region should be evaluated by their medical and dental provider before pursuing implants.
The decision to have dental implants is a big one, and a careful and thoughtful discussion with your dentist is key. This will ensure that the best choice of treatment is made to address your specific needs.
Your dentist can provide you with a list of medications and supplements that you should avoid prior to the surgery to ensure a successful outcome. It is also a good idea to tell your doctor if you are taking any blood thinners.