Dealing with tooth loss is an unfortunate reality for many people. It can cause discomfort, embarrassment, and difficulty with basic tasks like eating. Fortunately, dental implants are a popular choice for replacing missing teeth, and for a good reason! They provide the look, feel, and function of natural teeth. However, like any procedure, you may wonder if dental implants are safe. The short answer is yes! Visit our professional dentists at Ford Dental Group to learn more about how dental implants can restore your smile.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a revolutionary way of replacing missing teeth with an artificial tooth root that helps hold your custom-made replacement tooth securely. The implant is surgically inserted into the jawbone and allowed to fuse with your bone, giving it a secure and durable base. The replacement tooth is then attached to the implant, giving you a natural-looking and feeling tooth that can last for many years.
Dental Implants Vs. Other Tooth Replacement Options
When replacing missing teeth, several options are available to patients. Besides dental implants, some standard methods for restoring lost teeth include bridges or partial dentures. Bridges are a popular choice for filling in the gaps between teeth left behind by a missing one.
A bridge is created by attaching an artificial tooth to two adjacent teeth, which act as anchors for the restoration. Although dental bridges do not require any bone grafting or invasive surgery, they may need to be replaced periodically, about every five to seven years. Also, as they age, they lose their natural-looking appearance. Contrastingly, if you opt for dental implants, they can last 15 years or more. Dental implants also retain their natural look much better than bridges. They have a high success rate, too — over 95% — when appropriately placed and cared for.
Partial dentures are another tooth replacement option. They are removable prosthetic appliances that replace several missing teeth in a specific mouth area. Partial dentures use metal frameworks to hold artificial teeth and are attached with special clips. They can be taken out for cleaning and for sleeping. Partial dentures are less invasive than dental implants but do not provide the same level of stability and durability.
Types Of Dental Implant Materials
Titanium and zirconium are the most commonly used materials in dental implants, with titanium being the preferred choice due to its strength, durability, and compatibility with human tissue. It is also lightweight, can be easily shaped, and has good corrosion resistance.
How Safe Are Dental Implants?
As long as dental implants are correctly installed and cared for, they can last a lifetime. They are designed to be highly safe and do not cause allergic reactions. In addition, the materials used to manufacture dental implants are non-toxic and biocompatible, meaning they are body-friendly. Furthermore, they have been tested and approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be safe for use.
Steps Involved In The Placement Of A Dental Implant
The placement of a dental implant typically requires a multi-step process. The first step is to evaluate your condition, health history, and medical records to determine if you are suitable for dental implants. If you are, the next step is to prepare the site where the implant will be placed. This may involve bone grafting, drilling a hole in the jawbone, and securing a titanium implant post into it.
The implant post will then be left to heal and osseointegrate with the jawbone, which can take several months. After the implant fuses with the jawbone, an abutment is placed to connect the implant post to a prosthetic crown or bridge. Finally, bite tests are often performed at this stage to ensure that the artificial teeth fit comfortably and securely with the bites of surrounding teeth.
Are you considering getting dental implants? If so, our experienced team at Ford Dental Group can help you determine if this tooth replacement option is right for you. Call us today at (714) 409-6161 to schedule a consultation and learn more about dental implants.
