Today, we'll finish our in-depth look at everything you need to know about dental implants. We've already discussed a few topics, such as what tooth implants are, who is a candidate for the procedure, and what the process looks like step-by-step in our part one guide to dental implants. So, now, let's dive into our topics for part two and deepen your understanding of dental implants in Goffstown, NH.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
Dental implants provide several key benefits that other tooth replacement options do not because they replace the tooth and root. Here are some advantages you'll enjoy when choosing dental implants to restore your smile.
- Natural look and feel — A dental implant is customized to blend seamlessly into your smile for optimal aesthetics, and it feels and functions like a natural tooth.
- Bite stabilization — Tooth implants restore bite alignment for stability and comfortable chewing.
- Enhanced nutrition — When you can chew and eat comfortably, your diet and nutrition improve.
- Confidence boost—When dental implants fill in the gaps, you'll feel more confident about the appearance of your smile.
- Restored function — Biting and chewing become comfortable again when you're not dealing with gaps between teeth.
- Versatility — Dental implants can replace one or multiple missing teeth, making them a versatile treatment option.
- Excellent success rate — Implants enjoy a 95 percent success rate, making them a highly reliable treatment procedure.
- Bone protection — An implant keeps your jawbone healthy and stimulated just like a tooth root, preventing deterioration from tooth loss.
- Easy home care—Brushing and flossing around your implant is simple, just like caring for your natural teeth.
- Exceptional longevity—Implants have the potential to last a lifetime with proper home care and consistent routine checkups with your dentist.
- Long-term investment — A dental implant may be a better smile investment due to its longevity, rather than something you'll replace over time.
So, you can see why many people choose dental implants for their excellent advantages.
Surgical Complications That Can Accompany Dental Implants
Like any oral surgery procedure, dental implants do come with risks. Even with their high success rate, there can be complications to consider. Here's what you should know.
Osseointegration Failure
Osseointegration refers to the process of the implant fusing with the jawbone, which happens because tooth implants are made of biocompatible titanium. If this process doesn't occur properly, your implant could fail, fall out, or need to be removed.
Several different factors can cause implant failure:
- Infection — If your bone or soft tissues become infected, it can disrupt the osseointegration process.
- Medical conditions — Underlying conditions like diabetes or autoimmune disorders could be problematic for osseointegration.
- Poor oral hygiene — Lack of consistent removal of plaque and bacteria buildup with brushing and flossing could lead to infection.
- Insufficient bone structure — If there is insufficient healthy bone to support a dental implant, it will fail.
- Improper placement — The angle and placement of your implant are essential for success.
- Smoking or tobacco use — Tobacco products weaken the immune system and increase your risk of implant failure.
Dr. Leonardi provides a comprehensive evaluation prior to implant placement to ensure that you have enough healthy bone structure to support an implant and that you're in good general health with no medical conditions that could result in implant failure. We do everything we can to ensure implant success ahead of the placement procedure.
Improper Implant Placement
If a dental implant is not placed at the proper angle, it could cause complications, such as:
- Osseointegration failure
- Discomfort
- Damage to neighboring teeth
Dentists and specialists rely on tools like 3-D imaging to create surgical guides ahead of the procedure to ensure proper placement, making improper implant placement a rare occurrence.
What Are the Risks of Getting Dental Implants?
Some of the risks to be aware of that accompany any oral surgery are:
- Sinus damage — Your upper teeth are right below your sinuses. If implant placement might be risky, your dentist may recommend a procedure called a sinus lift to move the sinuses up before safely placing your implant.
- Infection — An infection could lead to implant failure, so it's important to follow all post-op instructions to help you avoid infection and have a smooth recovery from implant placement surgery.
- Nerve damage — Surgery could result in nerve damage, which is why x-rays and 3-D imaging are essential tools dentists use to plan proper implant placement before the procedure occurs.
How to Care for Dental Implants
The good news is that dental implants are simple to care for because they're essentially just like a natural tooth. Proper care helps your implant avoid infection and be successful, providing some patients with a lifetime of service.
Proper Home Care
The best thing you can do to protect your dental implant is to brush and floss consistently at home. Brushing twice and flossing once daily protects your implant from the plaque buildup that could cause an infection. Use proper brushing and flossing techniques and consider switching to an electric toothbrush, if you haven't already done so, to take the guesswork out of brushing.
Consistent Dental Checkups
Visiting your dentist in Goffstown, NH, every six months for routine checkups and a professional teeth cleaning will also protect your implant. Dr. Leonardi will take x-rays once every year for an internal look at your implant to ensure it's healthy and functioning properly.
Contact Glen Lake Dental
If you have questions about dental implants and what they can do for your smile, contact us at (603) 668-5307 for more information.