Dental implants could be the right solution for missing teeth or other dental problems like gingivitis or cracked teeth. But will they work for you? Is it too late to get them?
There is no time limit on getting dental implants. You could get dental implants throughout your entire life—age doesn’t play a role. The only factors about dental implants are whether they will work for your dental goals and whether your jaw can support them.
The first step toward discovering if dental implants are right for you is booking an appointment with your dentist. It’s essential you understand how dental implants work, how to care for them, and what options are available if they aren’t right for you.
Dental implants are artificial roots made of titanium used to replace lost teeth. The root is surgically implanted into your jawbone to ensure it’s secure. A replacement tooth is then fit directly into the gap where your old tooth used to be, attached by a screw to the implant.
Dental implants can be a great tooth replacement option because they look and feel similar to your regular teeth. They’re a more permanent solution and can last up to 15 years as long as you work with your dentist to take care of them.
Your dentist will determine if dental implants are right for you after taking detailed x-rays of your mouth, head, and jaw. The entire dental implant surgery process can take a few months to complete.
During the first stage, your dentist will directly implant the titanium posts through your gums into your jawbone. The artificial tooth won’t be added at this stage—your gums and jawbone need to heal first.
After a few months, your jawbone will bond with the titanium post, creating a solid base. During your next visit, your dentist will add an abutment to the top of the titanium post, which is what the artificial tooth will attach to. When creating the artificial tooth, your dentist will take measurements of your mouth and other teeth to ensure it sits comfortably and doesn’t affect your bite.
It’s normal to see bruising around your mouth and jawbone following surgery. The area will be sensitive for a couple of weeks as you heal. Your dentist can prescribe medication to help you manage the pain.
Proper aftercare following your surgery ensures your dental implants last longer and complete your smile for years to come. Taking care of your dental implants reduces the risk of infection during the healing process. Tips for taking care of your dental implants include:
At the end of the day, taking care of your dental implants takes the same amount of time and effort as caring for your teeth normally. Brushing twice a day, using dental floss, and regular visits to the dentist should ensure your dental implants are healthy and effective for a long time.
There are some cases where dental implants might not be the right option for you. Without enough jawbone, the implant either won’t reach the bone or may not be stable enough to properly hold your new artificial tooth.
Sometimes, a bone graft is an option if you don’t have enough jawbone. A bone graft is a surgical procedure to take bone from one area of the body and place it on another. Bone grafting is common to help someone get dental implants, but other options are also available.
If your tooth is partially cracked or still somewhat intact, you could get a dental crown. Crowns sit on top of or as part of existing tooth fragments and are made of either metal, porcelain, resin, or ceramics.
Dental bridges are similar to implants because they are meant to replace missing teeth. A dental bridge often consists of 3 or more artificial teeth. The outer teeth support the ones in the middle and are attached to existing teeth or implants.
Complete dentures replace all the teeth on the top or bottom of your mouth. Removable partial dentures replace specific teeth in your smile. They are usually placed using clasps around existing teeth with a retainer-like device.
Dental implants may be an option for you if you have missing teeth, no matter your age. However, if they aren’t, other options are available to replace your teeth and give you a complete set of teeth to smile with!
Our team at Garcia Dental Care is trained to give you advice on dental implants and replacement teeth. Get in touch with our Chatham dentist, and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you have.
