What are Dental Implants?
Simply put, dental implants are the most effective remedy for missing teeth—long term. Although false teeth and bridges are also solutions to missing teeth, they tend to slip and shift inside the mouth. Dental implants are more permanent because metal frames are surgically mounted on the jawbone. This then forms the artificial roots so that replacement teeth can be mounted on top of these frames and have a sturdy base.
Benefits of a Dental Implant
When getting bridges, commonly, the neighboring teeth are used as anchors, and they need to be ground down or “prepared” so that the bridge can be secured in place. If these neighboring teeth are in good condition, you are essentially breaking them down. And if you opt for dentures, people often complain of pain due to poor ridges and sore spots. And wearing dentures is not that comfortable, plus it requires periodic adjustment.
On the other hand, a dental implant does not have all these problems, and it lasts a lifetime. It does not destroy neighboring teeth, nor will it be uncomfortable. You do have to note that surgery is involved, and there will be pain in the beginning.
Who Can Get an Implant?
Anybody with a missing tooth or teeth can opt for an implant, except for young people, because their jaws are still growing. Further, the person must have an adequate bone density in the jaw to support the surgically implanted frame and must also have healthy gums. Let’s just say that you don’t have healthy gums and jawbone. There are ways and procedures to rebuild bone and make your gums healthy, that is why it is a must for you to visit your dentist on a regular basis.