What Do You know? about dental implants

Dental implants are metal anchors placed in the jaw bone underneath the gum tissue to support artificial teeth, when natural teeth have been removed. Unlike other types of tooth replacement, such as removable dentures or fixed bridges which are cemented to the remaining teeth, dental implants are actually placed ("implanted") into the jaw bone under the gum tissue.

These implants are usually made from a space-age metal called titanium, which is light, strong and corrosion-proof. It is therefore readily accepted by the body. Artificial teeth that look like the real thing are then attached to the implants. This procedure has been approved by the American Dental Association. Dental implants have been used for many years, and hundreds of thousands of procedures have been carried out. The process depends for its efficacy on a phenomenon known as osteo-integration, which means that the bone actually attaches itself to the implant. These anchors then provide a strong foundation allowing people with missing teeth to chew efficiently and comfortably.

In summary, dental implants are tooth-root substitutes which are surgically placed in the jaw bone and act as anchors to stabilize artificial teeth.

Who needs Implants?

Anyone who is missing teeth will benefit from the increased chewing efficiency, and improved appearance and speech articulation, that dental implants provide. Implants are a successful solution when it is difficult or impossible to fit a removable denture. Indeed, parts of the jaw that are missing due to an accident, disease, or birth defect can often be reconstructed using this technique.

You are a candidate for dental implants if:

• you have enough jaw bone, and it is dense enough to secure the implants.
  
  
• you do not have a disease or condition that would interfere with proper healing after implant surgery. The procedure would not be advisable for persons suffering from severe diabetes, or who are undergoing radiation treatment or chemotherapy.
  

A discussion with your oral and maxillofacial surgeon and restorative dentist (the expert technician who actually makes the replacement teeth) will determine whether or not you are a suitable candidate for dental implants. As a rule, age is not a barrier to implant treatment if you are in good health. In fact, thousands of people of all ages are turning to dental implants to replace a single missing tooth, several teeth or even all of them.

What are the benefits of dental implants?

• Improved self-esteem and increased quality of life
  
  
• Implants are much smaller than dentures or bridges, and the construct becomes a more natural and functional part of the mouth
  
  
• There is no need to trim the adjacent teeth as is the case with
  conventional bridges
  
  
• The solid anchorage of the dental implant will allow increased chewing pressures, so you are not restricted in your choice of foods. Hard fruit and vegetables and high fibre foods are an important part of a healthy diet.
  
  
• More comfortable than removable dentures
  
  
• Prevent further loss of teeth and bone support
  
  
• Improved oral health
  
  
• Implants are very durable and should last a lifetime
  

Why have dental implants become so popular?

As our life expectancy has increased over the generations, the need for some type of permanent dental replacement system has become increasingly important for our overall health. Dentures and removable bridges have obvious problems: they are loose and unstable. Implants can provide people with dental replacements that are both functional and aesthetic. The demand was always there, we just needed the technology to fulfill that demand.

Information by Phuket Dental Center
Tel: 0 7624 9386-7
Email: info@dentist-phuket.com