Losing a single tooth means losing more. It can affect eating habits, nutrition and health. It could also affect speech and eventually affect self-esteem. For some, having a missing tooth is something that they can eventually get used to and do not give it due attention. Yet, there are many who try to restore their missing tooth in all the ways that they can.
It has been discovered that dental implants were used since the time of the Mayan Civilization. Unearthed bones have shown implants on their jawbones made of carved stones, jade and fragments of seashells. People from long ago have already known the importance and advantages of having teeth implants.
Nowadays, the most popular way to put back the smile on your face is to have dental implants. Dental implant is an intricate and comprehensive process that may include multiple surgeries. Screws that are made of titanium along with other materials are fixed in the jaw by surgery and the procedure can last 2-3 hours. Titanium is the best material to use for a dental implant because of its quality. It means that this metal has the property to fuse itself with the bones. However, it requires keen planning because it can also have its adverse effects.
Usually, implants are opted by people who lost their tooth or some teeth but are having difficulties with dentures and their discomfort. With a 90% success rate, dental implants are highly successful. Proper oral hygiene can make an implant last a lifetime.
In doing this procedure, there are certain considerations that the experts look into. First, they need to assess your overall health conditions. Illnesses like diabetes or hypertension can cause complications and need certain treatments or preparations before such invasive procedure can be done. The site where the implant will be placed needs to be ensured as well. The patient will also undergo testing with the material that is going to be used for the implant. Allergies are rare but can likely occur. Next, the patient's habits and lifestyle are also to be looked into. Dental implants can fracture and for smokers, this can lead to infection and other effects. It is also made sure that the patient must have good oral hygiene and follow-up check-ups.
There is a risk failure that the implant may not fuse directly with the bone. Dentists will need to assess the density of the jawbone before the procedure. It needs to be strong or dense enough to withstand the surgery. Allergic reaction to the materials used during the procedure and on the implant is possible but rarely happens.
Infection around the implant site is a great risk. Patients are advised of good oral hygiene and to follow post-operative instructions carefully and properly. This will help in the healing process. Placement of dental implants can also lead to tissue, nerve and blood vessel damage. Be wary of the pain, swelling and numbness around the area of the implant. There are also instances where in the implants caused sinus problems. The procedure and the implant itself can easily have an effect on sinus cavities and this can be easily corrected by sinus augmentation. Right after the procedure, there may be immediate side effects such as swelling and some mild to moderate pain that will subside in 2-3 days.
Dental implants are what people chose to replace their missing teeth because of its cosmetic benefits. It appears and feels more natural than dentures and can help support the face together. It can also help improve speech as well as decrease the sensitivity to temperature and texture. It can help prevent bone loss and gum recession. Compared to dental crowns, it can help save the tooth. The placement of the implants does not require the neighboring tooth to be lessened or filed. Most of all, dental implants are long-lasting.
Getting into the procedure needs preparation, planning and cooperation. Its success depends largely on the patient's oral hygiene habits as well as how he follows post operative instructions and check-ups. This procedure has helped many people bring back their esteem and live a normal daily life.
With or without implants, it is imperative that we should be careful with our teeth and keep good oral hygiene. As they say, "whatever we do with our mouth has consequences."