Dental Implants: What Do You Need to Know?

11 July 2024

Dental Implants: What Do You Need to Know?

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that provide a permanent base for fixed or removable replacement teeth. They are surgically placed into the jawbone and fuse with the bone over time to provide stability for the artificial tooth. Implants can be used to replace a single missing tooth, several missing teeth, or all of the teeth.

They offer a more natural and permanent solution compared to other tooth replacement options such as dentures or bridges. The success rate of dental implants is high, but the success of the procedure can depend on various factors such as the patient’s oral health, the quality of the bone in the jaw, and the experience of the dental surgeon.

How do dental implants differ from dentures?

Dental implants and dentures are both used to replace missing teeth, but they differ in several ways:

• Structure: Dental implants consist of a metal post that is surgically placed into the jawbone and a crown that is attached to the post to resemble a natural tooth. Dentures, on the other hand, are removable artificial teeth that are supported by the gums and sometimes secured with dental adhesive.
• Stability: Dental implants are firmly anchored in the jawbone, providing a stable base for the replacement tooth. Dentures, on the other hand, can shift or slip in the mouth, affecting speaking and eating.
• Longevity: Dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care, while dentures may need to be replaced or refitted every 5-10 years.
• Maintenance: Dental implants require the same care as natural teeth, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups. Dentures, on the other hand, need to be removed and cleaned daily and can become stained or worn over time.
• Cost: Dental implants are often more expensive than dentures, but they can be a more cost-effective solution in the long term as they do not need to be replaced as often.

The choice between dental implants and dentures depends on the individual patient’s needs, oral health, and budget.

How do dental implants differ from bridges?

Dental implants and bridges are both used to replace missing teeth, but they differ in several ways

• Structure: Dental implants consist of a metal post that is surgically placed into the jawbone and a crown that is attached to the post to resemble a natural tooth. Bridges, on the other hand, consist of artificial teeth that are attached to the natural teeth on either side of the gap.
• Stability: Dental implants are firmly anchored in the jawbone, providing a stable base for the replacement tooth. Bridges, on the other hand, can cause strain on the natural teeth that support them, leading to further dental problems
• Longevity: Dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care, while bridges may need to be replaced every 5-15 years.
• Maintenance: Dental implants require the same care as natural teeth, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups. Bridges may require more specialized cleaning to prevent decay.
• Cost: The cost of dental implants and bridges can vary, but dental implants are often more expensive than bridges.

The choice between dental implants and bridges depends on the individual patient’s needs, oral health, and budget. Dental implants are generally considered a better option for individuals with good oral health who want a long-lasting and stable solution for missing teeth. Bridges may be a more affordable option for individuals with limited financial resources or those who are not suitable candidates for dental implants when assessed by their emergency dentist.

How can a patient’s oral health affect the success of their dental implants?

A patient’s oral health can have a significant impact on the success rate of dental implants. Factors that can affect the success of dental implants include:

• Jawbone density: Implants need a strong and healthy jawbone to anchor properly. If a patient has a weak or insufficient amount of jawbone, a bone graft or sinus lift may be needed before the implant can be placed.
• Gum health: Healthy gums are crucial for the success of dental implants. Patients with gum disease may need to undergo periodontal treatment before the implant procedure can be done.
• Smoking: Smoking can affect the healing of the gums and jawbone after the implant procedure, leading to a higher risk of implant failure.
• Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes or immunosuppressive diseases, can increase the risk of implant failure.
• Osteoporosis: Bone loss can affect the stability of the implant and increase the risk of failure.
• Bruxism: Clenching or grinding of the teeth can put excessive pressure on the implants, leading to failure.

By maintaining good oral health and being honest about medical conditions and habits, patients can increase their chances of a successful dental implant procedure. It’s important to discuss the patient’s individual situation with a dental professional to determine the best course of action.

How can the quality of bone in a patient’s jaw affect the success of a dental implant?

The quality of bone in the jaw can affect the success of dental implants in several ways:

• Density: The bone must be strong enough to support the implant. If the bone is too soft or has decreased in density, the implant may not be able to anchor properly and could fail.
• Volume: The bone must have sufficient volume to support the implant. If there is not enough bone, a bone graft or sinus lift may be needed to add volume before the implant can be placed.
• Quality: The quality of the bone is also important for successful implant integration. A bone that is infected, diseased, or has a low blood supply may not be suitable for implant placement.
• Healing: The bone must have the ability to heal and integrate with the implant. If the bone is not able to heal properly, the implant may not fuse with the bone and could fail.

In some cases, a CT scan or x-ray may be used to assess the quality and quantity of bone before the implant procedure. If there are concerns about the quality of the bone, a dental professional can advise on the best course of action and if a bone graft or sinus lift may be necessary to ensure successful implant placement.

Here at Cheadle Hulme Dental, we offer a wide range of dental treatments including dental implants, dentures and dental bridges. Contact us to find out more.