4 Facts to Consider About Dental Implants

If you have one or more missing teeth or dentures that move around on you, you might want to consider dental implants. Essentially, implants are man-made devices that act as anchors for various forms of artificial teeth. They can be a great way to restore both your smile and your confidence. Here are some important concepts to consider and discuss with your dentist concerning dental implants.

4 things to know about dental implants

Understanding the following four concepts can help you decide whether or not implants will work well for you.

1. The reasons for getting implants

Many people get implants to replace one or more missing teeth. Trauma, age, and poor dental hygiene can all contribute to tooth loss. Implants can serve as foundations for artificial teeth that are designed to appear and function like natural ones. Other times, implants are placed to better secure other dental appliances. One regular complaint about other dental appliances is that they slide around and even fall completely out when people try to eat or laugh. Implants can be a great way to keep this from happening.

2. That there are different types of implants

There are two main types of dental implants, endosteal and subperiosteal. Dentists insert endosteal implants directly into the jaw bone while subperiosteal implants go just beneath the gum line and attach to the top of the jaw bone. Endosteal implants are usually more common, but they require substantial, healthy jaw bone to function properly. Subperiosteal implants may work better if your jaw bone is fragile, soft, narrow, or misaligned in any way. Consult with your dentist to decide which type fits your specific situation.

3. What the implantation process involves

Many dentists perform thorough physical examinations and take detailed X-rays, scans, and molds of your mouth to design the right implant for you. Commonly, implants require multiple procedures, though some need only one. Implants need time to sufficiently osseointegrate, or heal and fuse properly with the surrounding bone and gum tissue. Full implantation and recovery can be a lengthy process that takes anywhere from a few days to an entire year. Fortunately, implants are made of materials that combine well with human tissues, including metals like titanium and ceramics like zirconia, so the risk of rejection or an allergic reaction is minimal.

4. How to care for implants

Caring for your implants requires you to maintain good oral hygiene practices. You should regularly and correctly brush, floss, and rinse according to your dentist's recommendations. Many implant patients should also plan to see their dentists once every six months. You should also make sure to notify your dentist of any changes in appearance, feel, or function right away.