Tooth extraction or an injury can leave you missing a tooth. While it is easy to ignore the gap left by the missing tooth, this situation can cause adjacent teeth to change position, or shrinking of the jawbone, which affects your facial appearance.
Restoration procedures such as dentures or a tooth bridge can remedy the problem. However, dentures are only a temporary solution, and can become loose or uncomfortable, while sufficient healthy teeth are required for a tooth bridge. Dental implants, on the other hand, provide a permanent fix to missing teeth.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are substitute teeth that look and function like your own. They are small titanium screws placed in the jawbone to substitute the root of a missing tooth. This implant will integrate with the surrounding bone, a process known as osseointegration.
Your dentist will then affix the abutment and replacement crown onto the implant. The abutment connects the new tooth to the implant. The substitute tooth will function as a real tooth once it has been fixed in your mouth.
Who Is Suitable For Dental Implants?
People who wish to receive dental implants should meet these criteria:
- Good oral hygiene
- Healthy gums
- Adequate bone to anchor the implants in the jaw
Who Is Not Suitable For Dental Implants?
Some people may not be suitable for dental implants, or need to be evaluated for compatibility. They include:
- Teenagers whose jawbones are still growing
- Pregnant ladies
- Heavy smokers
- People who take steroids or drugs that suppress the immune system
- People with chronic diseases, including:
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Hemophilia
- Connective tissue disorders
- Significant immune deficiencies
Consult us for the Dental Implants: