With advanced improvements in dental care over the past decade, there are still millions of people that are facing tooth loss due to injury, tooth decay, periodontal disease or other health-related complications. Previously, bridges and dentures were the sole viable options for tooth loss, but with all the advancements over the last several years, dental implants have become a viable and affordable option for the general public.
Dental implants are much different than veneers, bridges, and crowns. They replace the tooth root and create a strong foundation for permanent teeth replacements that are fixed or removable. In most cases, these match the natural look of your surrounding teeth, with exception of specialty implants which may have sharp tips or other special effects.
Patients that are healthy enough to sit through minor oral surgery or an extraction are usually able to be considered for dental implants. The surrounding gums must be healthy and contain enough bone to support the implant once installed. Patients who suffer from heart disease, diabetes, or who are undergoing radiation therapy are eligible. However, patients with these conditions are on a case by case basis since these ailments affect the bone and gums in the mouth, which can lead to repeated implant failure.
The rate of success of dental implants varies from patient to patient. The variation depends on the location of the dental implant and the overall oral health of the patient. In the majority of cases, patients who maintain proper oral hygiene are able to keep their dental implants for a lifetime.
Stronger bones that shape properly provide a strong base for dental implants, which increases their rate of success and a longer lasting result. It is important to speak with a dentist regarding any health disorders and medications the patient is taking that may affect the longevity of the implant. Negative behaviors such as smoking reduce the overall longevity of dental implants due to the negative effects on oral health.
The placement of an implant does have an effect on how successful the procedure will be in each patient. Certain parts of the jaw are better for implants than others due to the amount of bone, and the bone structure in those areas. Dental implants placed along the front section of the bottom jaw tend to have a 100% success rate. The rate decreases as you move to other parts of the upper and lower jaw thought the overall success rate still hovers around 97%.
Implants are a great solution for patients who need to replace several teeth at once or simply a single tooth. Dental implants can also be used as an anchor to keep dentures and bridges in place. Older patients or those who have lost all of their teeth may find Implant-supported dentures much more stable and easy to use than traditional dentures.
Schedule a dental implant consulation with Dennis Baik, DDS, request an appointment in our San Jose dental office here: https://www.ddsbaik.com. Or call us at (408) 676-5321.
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