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Over the years, dental implants have been considered as one of the best ways to replace decayed or missing teeth and restore one’s smile. Compared to the conventional dentures, dental implants are deemed the long-term and natural-looking alternative.

Regardless if you’re missing just one tooth or several, dental implants can be the best option available for you. However, just like any procedure, the dental implant procedure can also come with some potential risks.

Some of the most prevalent dental implant surgery issues can include infection, sinus problems, nerve damage, and injury to the teeth and blood vessels. While considered a generally safe procedure, it is still recommended that you speak with your dentist regarding any advice that’s tailored for your needs.

Infection

Infection is typically caused by bacteria that gets under the gum during treatment. An infection typically occurs when a decayed tooth is removed so the implant can be inserted and bacteria from the damaged tooth is left behind.

It can also occur if the implant is not placed accordingly and there is a gap between the bone and the implant where the bacteria enters.

Infection that can occur after dental implants

Oftentimes, dental implant infections develop in the gums. They can make the gums appear swollen and red. In some cases, the gums will leak pus or bleed. Other infections however are rare and can occur in the jawbone. This leads to bone loss.

Dental implant infections in the gums is not unusual. They are also generally minor and don’t last for very long. Fortunately, most infections will respond well to a short course of antibiotics.

Blood Vessels Damage

During dental implant surgery, surrounding teeth and blood vessels might get damaged. However, this is very rare as dentists are usually able to check for any potential issues using X-rays and a thorough examination of the teeth before the procedure.

How much damage/injury can occur

It is possible that the root of the nearby tooth can get damaged while a hole is drilled in the jawbone. While this rarely even happens, when it does, it can result in damaged blood vessels. If you have concerns regarding this risk, talk to your dentist about it. Better yet, work only with a dentist you trust.

Treatment for damaged blood vessels or teeth may require a cap or filling to close the hole in the tooth and protect the pulp. In the event that the pulp has been damaged, a root canal may be recommended to provide protection against further damage and infection.

Sinus Problems

Damage to the sinuses can occur during dental implant procedures involving the upper jaw. The bones in the face are hollow and the faces inside them are referred to as sinuses.

If there is not enough bone for the implant to be inserted, the bone can get perforated. If this happens, damage to the sinus occurs and might result in sinus infection.

How to Reduce the Risks of Dental Implants

While dental implant risks are rare, it is important to observe safety measures to minimize the likelihood of infections and other possible risks and complications from developing.

Reducing risks before the procedure

  • List down all the possible questions you have including the possible risks involved and discuss them with your dentist during the planning stage. Fortunately, most dentists will thoroughly examine the mouth and take CT scans and X-rays to ensure any possible risks and complications are averted.
  • If you are a smoker, it is likely that you will be asked to quit smoking prior to the procedure. Doing so can help ensure you’ll have a better chance of healing. Smoking has been known to limit bone growth and delay healing.
  • Ensure you maintain good oral health. Brush and floss at least twice daily. The better your oral health is, the higher your chances are of experiencing dental implant success.
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Severely damaged, misshapen, or missing teeth can be a huge source of frustration (and embarrassment) for many people. This is not really surprising as gaps in your smile can significantly impact how you feel and look.

While there are various ways to deal with missing teeth, one method is considered superior compared to the others—dental implants. Unlike dentures, dental implants are considered a permanent solution for tooth replacement.

Dental Implants in a Nutshell

As the term implies, a dental implant is an appliance that’s attached to the jaw, just under the gum line. The device fuses with the jaw bone. Nowadays, dental implants have become a go-to alternative to the standard dentures.

Dental Implants vs Dentures

Today, more people prefer dental implants over regular dentures. This is quite understandable as many people prefer the look and feel of dental implants (hint: they look just like your natural teeth!).

Also, most people love dental implants as it allows them to go about their day without having to worry about removing, inserting, or cleaning their dentures. Another reason people prefer dental implants over dentures is it allows them to enjoy a vast range of foods.

There is also a massive difference between the care dental implants and dentures require. For instance, unlike dentures that require special care and cleaning, your dental implants will only require regular brushing and flossing.

Another reason many people opt for dental implants is they won’t have to worry about the replacement teeth slipping while they speak, talk, or laugh. If you have gaps in your teeth, the neighboring teeth might shift into those spaces. A dental implant can prevent this from happening.

Different Types of Dental Implant Materials

The dental implant itself is typically made of titanium. Titanium is the material that has been used for decades as they provide superb results. The post (also known as abutment) that holds the replacement tooth in place is also typically made out of titanium.

The new replacement teeth (also known as crown) can be made of several materials. Porcelain or ceramic is often used as it is the most natural-looking. It can also be tinted to match the rest of the teeth.

In some instances, metal crowns might be used for areas that are not easily seen like the back molars.

How Long a Dental Implant Procedure Takes

A dental implant process is a multi-step procedure that can last for several months. Once it has been established that you are a great candidate for dental implants, the procedure will be scheduled. If the tooth that needs replacement is severely damaged, extraction is done first before the procedure begins.

Other procedures might also be required depending on your specific case. Your dentist is in the best position to inform you what needs to be done. Once the implant has been inserted, you need to allow several months for it to fully integrate with the jawbone and heal.

Dental Implant Required Aftercare

It is reassuring to know that looking after your dental implants is no rocket science. No lengthy or complicated rituals are needed. All you have to do is look after your dental implants like you would your natural teeth.

That means you only need to do your usual oral care routine—brushing twice daily, flossing, and adhering to your routine dental visits.

Some studies also indicate that smoking might cause dental implant issues. That being said, it would be a good idea to quit smoking for good once you’ve gotten dental implants. It is also a good way to ensure they last for a very long time.

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Essentially, dental implant surgery involves replacing the tooth roots with implants, a screw-like metal post. The dental implant procedure is also considered a great alternative to bridgework or dentures. How the dental implant procedure is carried out will depend on the condition of the jawbone and the type of the implants.

Dental implant surgery can involve several procedures. One of its most enticing benefits is robust support for new teeth—a process that involves requiring the bone to heal tightly around the dental implants. Since bone healing can take time, osseointegration, the process of dental implant placement, can last for several months.

Dental Implants: Why It’s Done

Dental implants are surgically placed in the patient’s jawbone so it can serve as replacement for missing teeth. Since the titanium in the dental implants will fuse with the bone through osseointegration, the implants won’t cause bone damage, make noise, or slip. Generally, dental implants is considered ideal for:

  • People with one (or more) missing teeth

  • People with a jawbone that has reached full growth

  • People with adequate bone to secure the implants in place achieve osseointegration. achieve osseointegration. achieve osseointegration.

  • People with healthy oral tissues

  • People who don’t like wearing dentures

  • People with no health conditions that affect bone healing

  • People who want to improve their speech

  • People who are willing to commit several months to the long-term process.

  • People who don’t smoke

Dental Implant Procedure: What to Expect

Dental implant surgery is an outpatient procedure that is done in stages with healing time in between. Placing of the dental implants can involve multiple steps, including surgery and abutments.

  • Removal of damaged tooth

  • Preparation of the jaw

  • Grafting (when required)

  • Dental implant placement

  • Bone growth and healing

  • Placement of abutment

  • Placement of the artificial tooth

Bone Grafting

If the jawbone is too soft or not thick enough, bone grafting may be required before the dental implant procedure can be carried out. This is because the chewing action of the teeth can exert great pressure on the bone. If the prosthetic is not strong enough to support the dental implants, the surgery can fail. A bone graft can create a more robust base for the dental implant.

There are several materials, dental implants, that are used to rebuild a jawbone. Options can include a natural bone graft (taken from another location in the body) or synthetic (bone-substitute material that provides support for new bone growth). Your dentist will be able to give proper guidance as to which one is best for you.

It might take several months for the transplanted bone to grow ample bone to support a dental implant. In some cases, only minor bone grafting is required, which can be done the same time as the dental implant surgery itself. The condition of the jawbone and teeth will help determine how people move forward.

 Bone Growth

Once the dental implants metal implant post has been successfully placed in the bone, osseointegration begins. During this process, the jawbone is expected to grow into and unite with the dental implant’s surface. The process of dental implants can take several months but it can provide a sturdy base for the new artificial teeth.

Abutment

Once osseointegration of dental implants is complete, additional surgery to place the abutment is done. The abutment is the piece where the dental implants crown is attached. This minor surgery is typically performed using local anaesthesia in an outpatient setting.

New Artificial Teeth

Once the gums have healed, more impressions will be made of the mouth and the remaining teeth. These impressions are used to make the realistic-looking artificial tooth known as the crown.

The crown won’t be placed until the jawbone is strong enough to support the new tooth. You and your dentist can decide whether to choose a removable artificial tooth, a fixed one, implants, or a combination of the two.

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Mini dental implants is a great option for patients that want to replace missing or lost teeth but can’t (or don’t want) to receive conventional restorations. Some people don’t like the invasive surgery associated with conventional dental implants. Others on the other hand lack the bone mass in their jaws that can hold the dental implants in place.

Dental Implants and Mini Dental Implants

Dentists replace missing teeth using dentures, bridges, or dental implants. Dentures and bridges are false teeth that sit on the surface of the gum. Dental implants on the other hand are inserted on the jawbone so they are not removable.

Mini dental implants have the same structure as the conventional dental implants. However, they are smaller. Mini dental implants have two parts: a titanium post with a ball on the end, and a socket (with a rubber O-ring) that attaches the tooth to the post.

According to the Journal of Oral Implantology, mini dental implants are 1.8 to 3.3 mm in diameter and 10 to 15 mm long while traditional implants are 3.4 to 5.8 mm wide.

Factors that Affect the Longevity of Mini Dental Implants

Numerous factors can impact the longevity of dental implants. Some of the factors include:

  • Lack of proper implant care
  • Smoking
  • Bone diseases like osteoporosis
  • Substance and alcohol abuse

However, it pays to keep that every mouth is different. While two people can get the same dental implants on the same day, the longevity can still vary from one person to another.

Mini Dental Implants vs Traditional Dental Implants

Getting regular implants can take several months and may require repeated dental appointments. For instance, certain treatments might require additional visits for bone grafting. Bone grafting is often needed so it can keep the post in place.

However, other patients can’t go through multiple invasive surgeries and repeated dental appointments. Some have also lost too much bone mass in the jaw to receive traditional dental implants. In some cases, this is where mini dental implants can come in handy.

Some dentists can install mini dental implants in a single visit using local anaesthesia. Patients can also have their teeth the same day.

Benefits of Mini Dental Implants

Mini dental implants offer a lot of benefits. For starters:

  • No need for any complex flap surgery. It is reassuring to know that mini dental implants often provide the same benefits as traditional dental implants. However, since they are smaller, they can be placed without any flap surgery.
  • They are less invasive and will require shorter healing time. Mini dental implants will not require surgery like its conventional counterpart. Since the procedure is less invasive, the healing process is also much quicker. In fact, healing time is reduced significantly—from months to just days.
  • Patients experience minimal discomfort. Less disturbance to the patient’s bone and tissue can also mean less soreness and discomfort after the procedure. If ever patients will experience any soreness, they often respond well to over-the-counter pain medications.
  • Patients experience more convenience. Unlike traditional implants where the process can take many months, mini dental implants can be completed in one visit. Patients can also often eat the same day.
  • Mini dental implants can prevent facial collapse. Since mini dental implants are fixed in the jawbone like a tooth root, it can prevent facial collapse that can occur with bone loss.
  • Lesser complications. Mini dental implant complications and failures are very rare. This is not really surprising as the protocols and techniques used in the procedure have been refined over the years.
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Medically known as bruxism, jaw clenching and teeth grinding is often associated with anxiety or stress. While not everyone will experience symptoms, bruxism treatment is needed when you experience red flags like headaches and facial pains as well as broken teeth.

Without appropriate bruxism treatment, you can end up with damaged, worn, and sensitive teeth and a painful ear, jaw, or face. You are also required to seek dental treatment if the condition results to worn teeth as it might lead to other oral problems like dental abscess or infection.

Teeth Grinding Symptoms

Some of the most prevalent symptoms of teeth grinding can include:

  • Earache

  • Headache

  • Facial pain

  • Stiffness and pain in the jaw joint as well as the surrounding muscles

  • Worn-down teeth that results to increased sensitivity and sometimes, eventual tooth loss

  • Disrupted sleep (for both you and your sleep partner)

  • Broken teeth or fillings

Teeth Grinding Causes

Causes of teeth grinding are not always clear. However, the condition is often linked to several factors including anxiety, stress, or sleep issues:

Stress and anxiety

For a lot of people, teeth grinding can be attributed to stress or anxiety. Oftentimes, bruxism that’s caused by anxiety or stress do it in their sleep. They’re not aware they are doing it and will often learn about it from their sleep partners.

Medications

Teeth grinding is also sometimes considered the side effect of certain types of medications. In some people, teeth grinding is linked to a certain type of antidepressant.

Sleep disorders

Those who snore or are suffering from a sleep disorder like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are observed to be more likely to grind their teeth during sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea is also characterised by breathing interruptions during sleep.

You are also more prone to teeth grinding if:

  • You mumble or talk during your sleep

  • You behave violently during sleep (i.e. punching or kicking)

  • You experience hallucinations (you hear or see things that are not real)

  • You have sleep paralysis (a temporary inability to speak or move while falling asleep or waking up)

Lifestyle

Other factors that can lead to bruxism or cause it to worsen include:

Drinking of alcoholic drinks

Smoking

Consuming caffeinated beverages like coffee or tea (6 or more cups daily)

Teeth Grinding in Children

Contrary to popular belief, children are not immune from teeth grinding. In fact, teeth grinding has been observed to occur after their adult or baby teeth first appears. However, the grinding often disappears after the adult teeth are formed fully. Seeing your dentist however is recommended if your child’s teeth grinding is already affecting their sleep quality.

Treating (and Preventing) Bruxism

Routine visits to the dentist

If you are suffering from bruxism, consider it best to schedule routine dental visits. This is necessary so any issues caused by your teeth grinding are addressed before they cause more damage.

Dental issues like cracked, crooked, misaligned, or missing teeth can be easily remedied through reconstructive dental treatments like overlays, crowns, and false teeth.

Treat anxiety and stress

If bruxism is caused by anxiety or stress, psychological treatments like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) might be able to help. If the grinding is stress-related, there are a number of things you can try prior to sleeping to help you relax and get a good night’s sleep.

Some of the practices you can try to help relieve both stress and anxiety can include:

  • Yoga

  • Reading

  • Deep breathing

  • Listening to music

  • Taking a bath

  • Massage

If teeth grinding is a side effect of antidepressant medications you are taking, your doctor might recommend another medication. The best thing to do would be to visit your doctor as they know how to best address your case.

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Understandably, it can be very confusing to figure out the dental procedure that’s best for you on your own. Regardless if you lost a tooth or several, it is crucial that you are able to understand all the long-term options you have available, including dental prosthesis, for your missing or multiple teeth.

Of course, you can read a pamphlet from the dental provider’s office, check with a friend for recommendations, or do some online research. However, unless you check with your dental office, you won’t be able to figure things out on your own.

Case in point: you’ve likely heard of dental implants, mini-dental implants, or dentures. While both are considered more superior choices compared to dentures or bridges, how do you know if mini dental implants are the best option for your case?

While a great option for many people, not everyone knows what mini dental implants really are and how they differ from the traditional dental implants. That being said, it is also no surprise that many myths and misconceptions abound about mini dental implants, dentist, denture, tooth, and abutments nowadays.

Mini Dental Implants Myths and Facts

If you’re a candidate for mini dental implants and would like to know more about them, it would be a good idea to educate yourself on the most common myths about mini dental implants and the truths behind them:

Myth

If you are not considered a good candidate for traditional dental implants or teeth, you can’t get mini dental implants.

Fact

In some cases, even individuals who are not considered good candidates for conventional dental implants can still get great results from mini dental implants.

For instance, someone who does not have ample bone thickness to support a couple of large implants can have a structurally superior solution with an evenly distributed 4 to 6 mini dental implants.

Not only that, since a very small pilot bit is used to create the opening for the implant so it can be threaded into the bone, even those infirm or elderly patients can benefit from this quick and straightforward procedure.

Myth

Getting back to your normal routine can take a long time after getting mini dental implants.

Fact

Thanks to advances in technology and dentistry, interruption to one’s normal routine after a mini dental procedure is now minimal. Mini dental implants can be used right away. That means, you can also continue with your normal everyday routine right after the procedure.

Conventional implants, on the other hand, will require a longer time and are deemed a more complex surgery. In fact, several months will be needed just to ensure the implant fuses with the bone and the surgical site heals completely before the crown is placed.

Myth

Mini dental implants will feel awkward in your mouth.

Fact

Undeniably, one of the best upsides of mini dental implants is they are designed to look, feel, and function just like the natural teeth. In addition, they are also kinder and have less impact on the bone and gum tissues. This makes mini dental implants ideal for most people including the elderly who oftentimes are not qualified to get traditional dental implants.

Myth

Mini dental implants are very expensive.

Fact

Since mini dental implants are smaller, the procedure for denture is quicker, less invasive, and yes, more affordable. While the procedure can also require time for planning, the actual time needed to complete the procedure is also way shorter.

Mini dental implants typically cost 1/2 or 1/4 of the cost of conventional dental implants. What’s even better is mini dental implants does not only cost less compared to their traditional counterparts, they are also less time-consuming and less disruptive to your normal routine.

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If you have experienced missing teeth, it is highly likely that you already have dental implants or your dentist has recommended it to you. Stable, robust, and permanent, dental implants (also known as teeth implants) are post or metal screws that are surgically placed into the jawbone. Once in place, replacement dental prosthesis are then mounted onto the implants.

Nowadays, dental implants are considered the most effective way to replace missing teeth (or more) and correct one’s smile. One amazing truth about dental implants is they’re designed to feel, perform, and look like the natural teeth. The American Dental Association considers dental implants as an excellent long-term option to restore one’s smile.

Debunking the Most Common Dental Implant Myths

The development as well as use of dental implants and osseointegration is deemed one of the biggest advances in dentistry in decades. However, while unfortunate to note, many myths and misconceptions about dental implants, teeth still abound until now.

In this article, we list down some of the most common dental implant myths and the truths behind them.

People will know you have a dental implant

Many people find it easy to spot dentures so spotting dental implants should be just as easy, right? Wrong! Dental implants look so much like the real teeth that no one will have an idea you have them until you say so.

Thanks to the translucent quality of the materials as well as the latest advancements in dental technology, your dental implants will look no different than your natural teeth. Not only that, dental implants are also designed to help ensure it won’t affect your face structure so no one will suspect you have dental implants.

You can get a new teeth in a day

This misconception can be traced to overzealous marketing, giving people the impression they can have their dental implants in a day. While it’s true that dental implants are placed in the patient’s mouth in a day, the entire implant process, including teeth, will require more than just a day.

Not everyone may be aware of it but the dental implant process involves consultation, scans or X-rays (when needed), implant preparation, and follow-up appointments. The process can help warrant that the patient is a good candidate for dental implants, teeth, and it is the best option available.

Only young people are ideal candidates for dental implants

There is definitely no truth to this. If anything, age is not a determining factor if someone is a good dental candidate or not. However, a few key factors including teeth will be looked into to gauge if someone is a good candidate for dental implants.

Some of the key factors that will be taken into account include health of the gum tissue, strength of the jaw bone, dental implant placement, and the patient’s overall health. As long as the patients ticks all the key requirements, they are deemed good candidates for the procedure.

The dental implant procedure is painful

If you’re a candidate for dental implants, you’d be delighted to know this is not true. If truth be told, dental implant surgery is carried out with nitrous oxide, anaesthesia, or sedation, whichever is best for the patient.

Patients who have undergone dental implants report they did not experience any pain during the entire procedure. While some experience a little tenderness after the dental implant surgery, it often goes away after taking over-the-counter pain medications. When needed, stronger pain relievers may be prescribed.

Dental implant surgery is very risky

While every dental implant surgery will involve some risk, it is reassuring to know it is very minimal. This might not be common knowledge but the overall success rate is actually at 95 to 98 percent so there is definitely nothing to worry about.

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Contrary to popular belief, mini dental implants are not inferior to traditional implants. If anything, mini dental implants are considered the best alternative to traditional implants for replacement teeth in certain scenarios.

For starters, mini dental implants are used when the space is extra narrow and an average implant just won’t fit in. Oftentimes, mini dental implants are also used to replace incisors. They are also the best recourse for patients with generally small teeth.

When are Mini Dental Implants Used?

Let’s get something straight: you can’t get mini dental implants just because you prefer them. Mini dental implants are designed for use in specific cases. Oftentimes, mini dental implants are considered ideal in the following scenarios:

  • If the teeth for replacement is situated in the front, dental implant system.

  • If you need premolar replacement

  • If your teeth is located in a very narrow space

  • If you have really small teeth

Mini dental implants are considered more secure compared to other alternatives. Since it provides more security, you can use it just like you would your natural tooth.

How Long Do Mini Dental Implants Last?

The lifespan of mini dental implants will depend on bone and surgery factors. Some of the key factors are:

  • Smoking

  • Osteoporosis (or other bone diseases)

  • Substance or alcohol abuse

  • Lack of implant care

Also, it is important to keep in mind that every mouth is different. That being said, even if 2 patients will get dental implants from the same dentist the same day, they can still have different experiences in terms of implant longevity.

What are the Differences Between Mini Dental Implants and Traditional Implants?

Many people often confuse mini dental implants and traditional implants. However, the two have distinct differences. Here’s how to differentiate one from the other:

Mini Dental Implants

Unlike the conventional implant, mini dental implants have a diameter smaller than 3mm. At the top of the device, there is a ball-shaped protrusion that’s designed to support the dentures. The denture also has a rubber O-ring that slides over the ball-shaped part.

Since mini dental implants are half the diameter of traditional implants, it would take two mini dental implants to provide the same level of support a traditional implant can provide.

While this can seem like a bad thing, nothing is farther from the truth. You have to keep in mind that sometimes, a smaller implant is the only option that can fit within a small space.

Traditional Dental Implants

A traditional implant is made up of two pieces. The external dental implant screw goes into the bone and has a diameter larger than 3mm. Inside the implant, there’s a thread compatible with various types of dentures.

While traditional implants are better able to distribute the weight of a denture, sometimes it’s just not the ideal option especially when the space is just too narrow for traditional implants to fit in.

How Much Do Mini Dental Implants Cost?

The short answer: less than conventional implants. On average, mini dental implants can cost between $500 to $1, 500. Conventional implants on the other hand can cost around $4, 000 to $5, 000.

Below are some of the reasons mini dental implants are cheaper than traditional implants:

  • They have more affordable implant screws. Understandably, since the screws used are smaller, they are way cheaper compared to the larger screws that are used for traditional implants.

  • The procedure is way more simple. The process of inserting mini dental implants is less time-consuming and less invasive compared to traditional implants. Since less effort and time is required, the money spent is also less.

  • Bone grafting is often not needed. In most cases, there is no need to perform any bone grafting for patients in need of mini dental implants. One less step in the process also means a significant decrease in the overall cost.

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When replacing damaged or missing teeth, there are several options available, including replacement teeth and dentures. However, one option stands out: dental implants. Unlike bridges or dentures, dental implants offer replacement teeth that are truly hard to miss.

The Unbeatable Benefits of Getting Dental Implants

Below are some of the topnotch benefits of dental implants.

  • It can help prevent bone loss

When teeth are lost, there is also a tendency to lose bone mass in the jaw. The jawbone needs the stimulation it gets from the teeth to maintain its mass. Dental implant is the only tooth replacement alternative that replaces jawbone stimulation so bone loss is prevented.

  • It can help restore the bite force

Since dental implants are anchored into the jawbone using a titanium post that serves as tooth root, they make it possible for patients to have the same amount of bite force as the natural teeth. Other tooth replacement options, like dental implants, on the other hand won’t be able to restore nearly half of the usual bite force as most just sit on top of the gums and are not anchored in place.

  • It is designed to match the natural teeth

Dental implants can come in diverse shapes and sizes. Dentists at Aspen Dental will work with patients to design implants that will fit perfectly in the gap and match the color of the surrounding natural teeth. Dental implants look just like the natural teeth that it’s usually just you and your dentist who knows you got one.

  • It helps prevent any change in the face shape

The teeth also helps support the facial structure. When teeth are lost, there is also a possibility of losing facial support. Lack of facial support can cause the face to change shape, sometimes making patients look older than they really are. Since dental implants are designed to function just like the natural teeth and bone, they can also provide the same support to the face so it does not change shape.

  • It helps enable natural speech

Some tooth replacement alternatives like dental implant can significantly affect one’s ability to speak and pronounce words correctly. Fortunately, since dental implants act just like the natural teeth and bone, they can make it possible for people to speak naturally and effortlessly.

  • It helps prevent cavities

Contrary to popular belief, artificial teeth like dental implants need to be looked after accordingly to prevent bacteria from building up in the mouth and causing infections. The good thing is dental implants, made of bone, are resistant to decay. That means you won’t have to worry about getting cavities in your implants ever again.

  • It helps prevent any embarrassing slippage

Most patients who have dentures sometimes feel self-conscious when laughing, speaking, or eating in public as dentures have the tendency to slip or shift inside the mouth. Patients with dental implants however don’t have to think about their dental implants slipping as they are anchored in place firmly.

  • It helps support adjacent teeth

A gap in the mouth caused by a missing tooth might cause teeth on either side of the gap to shift positions. When this occurs, teeth misalignment can occur. Thankfully, dental implants will fill the gap and will make it possible for patients to have a straight and even smile.

  • It is easy to look after

Those with dental implants are not required to use any special products to clean or look after their dental implants. That means you don’t have to buy adhesives, special flossers, or cleansing tablets for your dental implants.

In essence, you just need to look after your implants like you would after your natural teeth. That means you brush and floss at least twice daily and visit your dentist for routine check-ups. If you’d like to know more about dental implants and figure out if  they’re the best option for you, click here.

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What are dental implants?

In a nutshell, dental implants are artificial replacements for missing natural teeth. Implants are also designed to provide a robust foundation for permanent (fixed) or removable replacement teeth.

Can anyone get dental implants?

In most cases, patients that are healthy enough to undergo oral surgery or a routine dental extraction can be good candidates for dental implants. Ideally, people who are candidates for a dental implant procedure should have healthy gums as well as enough bone to hold the implant in place.

Those with uncontrolled chronic illnesses like heart disease or diabetes, heavy smokers, and those who have had radiation therapy to the neck or head area will have to be evaluated on an individual basis. If you live in Singapore and you’re considering dental implants, find out all you need to know about the procedure here.

What is the success rate for dental implants?

Depending on where in the jaw the implants are placed, the success of dental implants can vary. However, in general, the success rate is around 98 percent. The good thing is that given it is cared for accordingly, dental implants can last a lifetime.

Are dental implants painful?

Most people who have had dental implants surgery report they felt very minimal discomfort during the procedure. Local anaesthesia is also used during the surgery and most patients report that implants are even less painful than tooth extractions.

What is the process of getting dental implants like?

Developing an individualised treatment plan is the first step in the dental implant surgery process. The treatment plan will address the patient’s specific needs. The plan is also often prepared by a team of professionals who are specially experienced and trained in both restorative dentistry and oral surgery.

Next, the tooth root implant (small post made of titanium) is placed into the missing tooth’s bone socket. As the jawbone heals, it will grow around the implanted metal post and will anchor it in the jaw securely. The healing time from dental implant surgery can take 6 to 12 weeks.

Once the implant has been bonded to the bone securely, a small connected post (known as abutment) will be attached to the post to secure the new tooth in place. A replacement tooth (known is crown) is attached to the dental implant abutment.

The dentist will also make sure the color of the new dental implant matches that of the natural teeth. Since the implant will be secured within the jawbone through surgery, the replacement teeth will feel, function, and look just like the natural teeth.

What are some of the benefits of getting dental implants?

Dental implants offer many enticing benefits. Some of the most notable ones include:

  • Enhanced appearance – dental implants are designed to mimic the look and feel of the patient’s natural teeth.

  • Improved comfort – since dental implants will fuse with the bone, they eliminate any of the discomforts associated with removable dentures.

  • Improved speech – when wearing ill-fitting dentures or dental implant, there is the tendency it will slip within the mouth and can cause the wearer to slur or mumble their words. With a dental implant however, you can speak without having to worry if the teeth will slip.

  • Improved self-confidence – dental implants look just like the natural teeth so it can help you regain your smile, feel better about yourself, and improve your self-confidence in the process.

  • Easier eating – sliding dentures will not only make it difficult to talk, it can also make chewing difficult. Fortunately, dental implants are designed to function just like the natural teeth, allowing you to better chew your food with confidence and without pain.

  • Durability – dental implants are known to be highly durable and can last for many years. With proper care, implants can even last a lifetime.

  • Convenience – dental implants will eliminate the embarrassment and inconvenience of removing dentures. People with dental implants are also spared from using messy adhesives just to keep their dentures in place.

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