What are dental implants? A comprehensive guide

Dental health is an essential aspect of our overall well-being, and sometimes, despite our best efforts, we may find ourselves facing the loss of one or more teeth. This is where dental implants come into play, offering a revolutionary solution to restore both function and aesthetics to your smile. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the world of dental implants, answering common questions like “What are dental implants?”, “How long does a dental implant last?”, and “What do dental implants cost?”. Let’s dive in and discover why a dental implant is the gold standard in tooth replacement.

What are dental implants?

Most Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are surgically placed into the jawbone to replace missing teeth. A dental implant serves as a sturdy foundation for fixed (permanent) or removable replacement teeth that are made to match your natural teeth. But what exactly makes up a dental implant?

1. The Implant: This is a small titanium post that is surgically inserted into the jawbone where the tooth is missing. Titanium is used because it’s biocompatible, meaning it can fuse with the bone in a process called osseointegration. Generally the dental implant placement is where the missing tooth lies.
2. The Abutment: After the dental implant surgery, once the implant has fused with the bone, an abutment is attached to the implant. This serves as a connector between the implant and the crown.
3. The Crown: This is the visible part of the tooth replacement. It’s custom-made to match your natural teeth in colour and shape.

The dental implant surgery

The process of getting dental implants typically involves several steps:

1. Initial Consultation: Your dentist will examine your mouth and implant site, take X-rays, and discuss your treatment options.
2. Implant Placement: The titanium implant is surgically placed into the jawbone.
3. Healing Period: The implant is left to fuse with the bone, which can take several months.
4. Abutment Placement: Once healed, the abutment is attached to the implant.
5. Crown Placement: Finally, the custom-made crown is attached to the abutment.

At Eilertsen Dental Care in Plymouth, we use state-of-the-art technology and techniques to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients who have a missing tooth.

How long does a dental implant last?

One of the most common questions we receive at Eilertsen Dental Care is, “How long does a dental implant last?” The answer is quite encouraging. With proper care and maintenance, modern dental implants can last a lifetime.

The longevity of dental implants can be attributed to several factors:

1. Durability of materials: The titanium used in for artificial teeth is incredibly strong, durable and resistant to decay and gum disease.
2. Integration with bone: Through the process of osseointegration, the implant joins the bone in your jaw, providing stability similar to natural teeth.
3. Proper care: Just like natural teeth, the lifespan of dental implants greatly depends on how well you care for them, so it’s important to keep your implant healthy with regular cleaning which subsequently also helps with the healing process.
4. Regular check-ups: Visiting your dentist regularly for check-ups and professional cleanings can help ensure the longevity of your implants.

While the implant itself can last a lifetime, it’s important to note that the crown (the visible part of the tooth replacement) may need to be replaced after 10-15 years due to normal wear and tear.

What do dental implants cost?

Several factors can impact on the cost of a dental implant, however at Eilertsen Dental Care our flexible payment plans are designed to make replacing missing teeth affordable. These factors include;

1. Number of implants: Replacing a single tooth will cost less than replacing multiple teeth.
2. Type of implant: There are different types of implants available, from ceramic crowns to titanium root, each with its own price point.
3. Additional procedures: Some patients may need additional treatments like bone grafts or sinus lifts, which can increase the overall cost.
4. Geographic location: The cost can vary depending on where you live and the expertise of the dental professional.

At Eilertsen Dental Care, we believe in transparent pricing and will provide you with a detailed cost breakdown during your initial consultation. We also offer various payment plans to make dental implants more accessible to our patients in Plymouth and the surrounding areas.

While a dental implant and dental implant surgery may seem costly upfront, it’s important to consider them as a long-term investment in your oral health. Unlike other tooth replacement options that may need frequent replacements, dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care, potentially saving you money in the long run.

Benefits of dental implants

Now that we’ve covered the basics of what dental implants are, how long they last, and their cost, let’s explore why they’ve become such a popular choice for tooth replacement:

1. Natural look and feel: Dental implants look, feel, and function just like natural teeth.
2. Improved speech: Unlike ill-fitting dentures, implants allow you to speak without the worry that teeth might slip.
3. Comfortable fit: Because they become part of you, implants eliminate the discomfort of removable dentures.
4. Easier eating: Sliding dentures can make chewing difficult. Dental implants function like your own teeth, allowing you to eat your favourite foods with confidence and really come into their own when eating sticky or chewy foods.
5. Improved oral health: Unlike a tooth-supported bridge, dental implants don’t require reducing other teeth. Any natural tooth you have is left intact, improving long-term oral health.
6. Durability: Implants are very durable and can last many years. With good care, many implants last a lifetime which improves the overall value of dental implant surgery to a patient.
7. Convenience: Removable dentures are just that; removable. Dental implants eliminate the embarrassing inconvenience of removing dentures, as well as the need for messy adhesives to keep them in place.

Are dental implants right for you?

While dental implants offer numerous benefits, they’re not suitable for everyone. Good candidates for dental implants are:

1. In good general health: You should be healthy enough to undergo a routine dental extraction or oral surgery.
2. Have healthy gums: Gum disease can affect the success of an implant.
3. Have adequate bone density: Your jawbone needs to be strong enough to hold and support the artificial tooth root and implant.
4. Committed to oral hygiene: You must be willing to maintain excellent oral hygiene and regular dental visits, this will protect your dental implant from implant failure and any further tooth loss.

At Eilertsen Dental Care, we perform a thorough evaluation to determine if dental implants are the right choice for you. We consider factors such as your overall health, the condition of your jawbone, and your lifestyle habits.

Caring for your dental implants

Once you’ve invested in dental implants, it’s crucial to take good care of them to ensure their longevity. Here are some tips for maintaining your dental implants and ensuring implant survival:

1. Practice good oral hygiene: Brush twice a day, floss daily, and use an antibacterial mouthwash.
2. Avoid hard foods: While implants are strong, avoid chewing on hard items like ice or hard candy, particularly in the early stages after your dental implant surgery.
3. Don’t smoke: Smoking can weaken the bone structure, damage blood vessels and can contribute to implant failure.
4. Visit your dentist regularly: Regular check-ups and professional cleanings are essential for the long-term success of your implants.
5. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush: This will help prevent scratching the surface of the implant.

The future of dental implants

As dental technology continues to advance, we at Eilertsen Dental Care stay at the forefront of these implant dentistry developments. Some exciting trends in dental implant technology include:

1. 3D printing: This technology is being used to create more precise surgical guides and even the implants themselves.
2. Surface treatments: New surface treatments are being developed to enhance osseointegration and reduce healing time.
3. Zirconia implants: These metal-free implants are becoming more popular, especially for patients with metal sensitivities.
4. Mini implants: These smaller implants can be used in areas where there isn’t enough bone for a standard implant.

Conclusion

Dental implants have revolutionised the field of dentistry, offering a long-lasting, natural-looking solution for missing teeth. They not only restore your smile but also improve your overall quality of life by allowing you to eat, speak, and laugh with confidence.

At Eilertsen Dental Care in Plymouth, we’re committed to providing our patients with the highest quality dental implant treatments. Our team of experienced professionals uses the latest technology in modern dental implant surgery to maintain our clients pristine smiles.

If you’re considering artificial teeth with a dental implant, we encourage you to book a consultation with us. We’ll answer all your questions, assess your individual needs, and create a personalised treatment plan to help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.

Remember, your smile is an investment in yourself. With a dental implant, you’re not just replacing a missing tooth; you’re restoring your confidence and improving your quality of life and make chewing foods easy again. Let us help you take the first step towards a healthier, more beautiful smile today.