Dental implants replace damaged or lost teeth with metal threaded cylinders made of titanium, that look and function like natural ones. They are an ideal alternative to dentures or tooth bridges that cause problems or do not fit properly while providing solutions when the lack of natural tooth roots does not allow the placement of fixed prostheses.

During surgery, the method of implantation depends on the type of implant and the condition of your jaw bone. Implant placement might involve different procedures and stages. Modern implant technology now allows you, in cases where all teeth are missing, to obtain teeth with only 4 implants in one day. The biggest advantage of dental implants is that they are a solid base for your new teeth without grinding the neighboring teeth.

How do dental implants work?

Dental implants are titanium constructions that have the shape of the root of a tooth. They are the most modern way to replace teeth and are used to replace one, many, or all your teeth. They have been used since 1950 when researchers found that titanium forms a very strong bond with the surrounding bone, a process called osteointegration.

After years of research and study, dental implants were created. They have been successfully tested in the mouths of patients for up to 30 years. You have many reasons to choose dental implants over other prosthetic procedures:

• They replace the roots of the missing teeth.
• They do not move and do not damage the bones, as happens with bridges that rest on tooth roots.
• The material from which they are made can not be damaged like natural teeth or cause damage to the jaw bone.
• Adjacent teeth that are intact or strong are not ground, as happens with bridges.
• They improve the aesthetic appearance.
• No one realizes that your dentures are not natural.
• They improve speech. Poorly fitted dentures create speech problems. In addition, when you speak you will feel comfortable and you will not be afraid that the gum will leave its place.
• They increase self-esteem.
• They improve oral and physical health since implants work like natural teeth.
• Ease of chewing, like when you had your natural teeth.
• Durable over time, they do not wear out like natural teeth.
• Avoid the unpleasant hassle of removing removable dentures.
• Exemption from visits to the dentist and suffering due to the wear of natural teeth, with long-term financial and psychological benefits.

Implants do not show any disadvantages compared to any other prosthetic work proposed to treat tooth loss.

How many tooth implants do you need?

Adapted to your situation, the implant design takes into account factors such as how many teeth you need to replace, as well as the condition of the jawbone and other teeth. You can use dental implants to replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or all of your teeth in the upper or lower jaw, or both. If you need to have a complete dental arch restored, you might be the perfect candidate for an “All on 4” complete oral restoration. The surgeons will place four implants and rest a complete denture on them.

When are mini-implants a good choice?

Mini dental implants are shorter in length and thinner than traditional dental implants. They can be a good choice for patients who do not have enough bone density or mass to support traditional dental implants and who cannot have bone graft surgery to make a bone in the jaw. They are usually considered a temporary solution.

Implants can last forever. However, it all depends on the care you will follow for them and your oral health as a whole. So the answer to the question “how long do dental implants last” is that with proper care, they will remain in your mouth forever and improve your quality of life. For further information, you can contact us at doctorwisdom.com.