Dental Implants Can Stop Bone Loss
When dental implants began to be used 40 years ago, nobody predicted that implantation would become one of the most developed areas of dentistry. Implantation is a very popular way to replace missing teeth. It is completely safe and effective; it is possible to permanently insert one tooth or several and can have many more advantages than conventional dentures and bridges.
What is a dental implant?
In order for an artificial tooth to look aesthetically pleasing and functional like a real one, it needs proper fixation. Dental implants are small titanium screws that are screwed into the jawbone in place of the missing tooth. They play the role of the root and completely replace it, which makes the inserted teeth look like real ones. Over time - after implantation - the surface of the implant connects with the bone tissue in the jaw in a process called ossification.
Better than natural?
Dental implants are primarily stable and durable. They allow you to safely and almost painlessly restore a naturally beautiful smile. It is also important that dental implants are made of titanium or another biocompatible material. Biocompatible materials are materials that are very well accepted by the human body, so it does not consider it a foreign body and will not attack or reject it. Some important advantages of implants include:
- short treatment time - dentists insert implants quickly and thus the missing tooth is restored in a short time
- dental implants are almost perfectly matched to the natural dentition of each patient
- allow the natural appearance of the face to be preserved
- the patient feels only slight differences between the implant and the natural tooth - comfort when eating is ensured
- implants are implanted in place of missing teeth, thanks to which in 90 percent healthy teeth are not affected by the insertion of a "new" tooth
- you no longer have to use denture adhesives and constantly moving dentures
Perhaps the most important benefit of a dental implant is that because they are inserted into the jawbone, they act like a replacement tooth root. The life cycle of bone involves generating new cells when old ones die. However, in the absence of stimulation, the rate of replacement in the cells slows until it comes to a complete stop, resulting in bone deterioration. One of the most important functions of the tooth root is that their presence in the jawbone stimulates bone growth every time you chew. Because of this, they can help stabilize the jaw, can help stop further bone loss, and oftentimes can stimulate new jawbone generation.
In addition to all these advantages, it should be noted that the placement of the implant is almost painless. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, which is the same as in conservative dental treatment. Implantation of one artificial root can be successfully compared to the tooth extraction procedure. During one visit, your dentist can implant several dental implants. In order to receive all the benefits of an implant, it is very important that you follow up with your dentist and practice good oral hygiene.