Dental Implant
There are various factors which would lead a dentist to the recommendation for a patient of a dental implant, usually being a mixture of function and aesthetics. When a tooth has become so injured as a result of decay or trauma and has been judged by the dentist as being not capable to be saved, the patient will be presented options for replacing the tooth with a prosthetic that is held in place through a variety of methods. The advent of dental implants allowed patients to retain the functionality of natural teeth with regards to chewing and eating, as well as the aesthetics of not having missing teeth. In these regards, dental implants are brilliant for salvaging the capability to eat as well as maintaining the patient’s self esteem.
The actual process that will result in a dental implant for a patient takes place over multiple visits. On the first visit, the condition will be assessed by the dentist through examination of the effectual teeth, surrounding teeth and overall oral health of the patient. for the duration of this exam, the dentist will make a choice if the tooth or teeth are capable to be saved through surgery or treatment, and if it is determined that the tooth cannot be saved it will either be removed on that visit or at another scheduled time. The surgery to eliminate the tooth can range in difficulty based upon the extent of the damage. After the tooth is removed, the health of the jaw bone is assessed to determine if the patient is a candidate for a dental implant, or if the resulting gap will be overflowing by a number of different methods of securing a prosthetic tooth in place. The only method that is permanent is the dental implant, in which an anchor is surgically embedded into the patient’s jaw bone and the prosthetic tooth is affixed to it. It is for this cause that the overall health of the jaw bone is so important, as weakened or diseased jaw bone will not be capable to hold the prosthetic securely in place. If it is determined that the jaw bone is strong enough to hold the prosthetic, then a new tooth will be custom made in a dental lab which will match the surrounding teeth as far as shape and color. This new tooth will be affixed into place once it is ready. Once this procedure is completed, the patient should be capable to live life as though the implant is a natural tooth. Eating and chewing should have few to no restrictions, and care and maintenance will usually be the same as natural teeth involving regular brushing and flossing.
Dental implants will recover the smile of the patient significantly, as the teeth which are replaced are usually damaged or discolored in some way. The new implant will be perfectly matched to the patient’s smile, creating a natural look that few will notice as involving prosthetic teeth. Speaking will also be enhanced as gaps between teeth will nearly always reason modified speech patterns, lisps and whistles. Ask your dentist today about options for dental implants that could improve not only your smile, but also your health and your life.