A dental implant is an artificial replacement for a tooth’s root made from titanium. Once the dental implant has fused with the bone, the dentist can mount a crown, bridge or denture on the dental implant.
Dental implants are suitable for any adult who are generally healthy. Dental implants can only be used once the jawbones have stopped growing and therefore are not suitable in young patients. There is no upper age limit for patients to undergo dental implants, in most cases, anyone who is healthy enough to have routine dental extraction can consider dental implants.
Habits such as heavy smoking or alcoholism or uncontrolled chronic medical problems including diabetes, osteoporosis, heart disease or patients who have received radiation therapy in the head and neck region may cause poorer outcomes in patients who want dental implants. However, if you have any of these conditions please speak to your dentist and medical practitioner to determine if you are suitable for dental implants since each case is different.
When you first think about dental implants, you must consider your current oral health and reasons for loss of teeth. A thoroughly oral examination must be done in order to understand the cause of your dental problems and treatment should be carried out prior to receiving dental implants. Gum disease is one the major reasons for loss of teeth and also loss of bone. With reduced bone quality and quantity, dental treatment will be more complicated but not impossible.
Fixed implant treatment
Fixed-dynamic implant treatment
If you take care of your dental implants with good oral hygiene and regular dental appointments for check-ups and cleanings, there is a good chance your dental implants can last 10 – 20 years. However, sometimes re-treatment is required if there is bone loss around the implants or if the crown chips.
Dental implants require the same care as natural teeth! Good oral hygiene is required in order to maintain dental implants and natural teeth. The bacteria effects the dental implant in a similar way that it affects the gums and bones around natural teeth.
This is certainly not true as you need a healthy mouth in order to get the best results with dental implants. Problems such as infection of the bone or gums can lead to more difficult and complex treatments which will take even longer to improve the health of your mouth. It is always best to treat any problems immediately and to minimize any further damage