Dental implants are one of the more amazing progresses in dental technology in the last 20 years. For those who might not know what they are, or their advantage over dentures, this article will discuss the distinct advantages of dental implants, and also explore who are the best candidates for receiving them. First, a definition. A dental implant is an artificial root that is carefully inserted into the jaw bone to hold either a replacement tooth or a dental bridge. Dental implants can be an option for individuals who have lost a tooth (or multiple teeth) because of periodontal disease, a mouth injury, or for some other reason.
The advantages of a dental implant over dentures is significant. Dental implants fuse to the jaw bone itself, and thus reduce the loss of bone that can lower the jaw bone height if enough time passes. Dental implants also help reduce the load on nearby teeth, by offering a firm and stable platform for other crowns and bridgework. Because they are not separate from the mouth’s jaw structure, a person with dental implants can usually chew food in a more normal manner, and with less embarrassment, than those people with dentures that move freely within the mouth. Another, rather nice, side effect of dental implants is that they will help maintain the facial contours that will otherwise collapse and lead to a face that is hollowed, wrinkled and, of course, older-looking than need be. Finally, research indicates that dental implants last far longer than other types of tooth restoration, thereby offsetting the somewhat greater expense that is initially incurred with implants.
There are a few cautions, however. Dental implants are a surgical procedure, and like any surgical procedure, comes with a certain set of risks. Those risks must be weighed against the potential advantages with your dental surgeon. Close consultation is necessary. Other cons include a tendency for crowns and porcelain bridgework to crack or break more readily, since the protective “cushioning” effect has been lost been the bone and the tooth.
If you are interested in dental implants and would like to receive a comprehensive examination and explanation of the pros and cons in your personal situation, you are invited to contact Baumann and Lanman Dentistry (http://masterpiecesmilesokc.com/), providers of Dental Implants in Oklahoma City. They have the years of caring experience to help you come to the right decision for your personal needs.
