Dental implants are a treatment to replace teeth that are missing due to fracture, infection or decay. Still, we’re often asked by our patients if having dental implants can reduce the occurrence of tooth decay, gum disease or other dental related problems. Continue reading to find out more.

Maintaining dental health is an essential step toward preventing common diseases associated with the teeth. Some of the common tooth problems that affect people are gum disease, tooth decay and tooth loss. Are dental implants a potential solution? Let’s first look at the advantages of dental implants and how they might be used to solve dental problems.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are best described as a kind of replacement tooth. Dental implants are usually fitted by a dentist that specialises in implants. Unlike other tooth replacement methods, such as bridges and dentures, dental implants are difficult to tell apart from your natural teeth.

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is caused by an accumulation of bacteria in the mouth that can cause your gums to become swollen. Mild gum disease can be treated by brushing and flossing, but it’s always best to check with your dentist if you suspect that you might have gum disease. Severe gum disease is a much more serious issue which could eventually lead to tooth loss.

Gum Disease & Dental Implants

Gum disease is thought to be a leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Dental implants aren’t a technique for preventing gum disease, but you could use a dental implant to replace a tooth lost to gum disease. Of course, it’s far better to practice good dental hygiene and avoid tooth loss in the first place if possible.

Eating With Dental Implants

Dental implants allow patients to bite and chew favourite meals without worrying if the food will stick to their implants. This is because dental implants are securely fastened to your mouth and can be cleaned just like your regular teeth.

Dental Implants Prevent Bone Loss

If you do lose a tooth, it’s very important to be aware of the danger of bone loss. This is when the remaining jaw bone underneath the lost tooth withers away. This can lead to an array of potential complications, including infections. Dental implants can help to prevent bone loss. The jaw bone will fuse with the dental implant and, if everything is done correctly, the risk of bone loss is minimised. If you are worried about tooth loss or bone loss it’s always best to talk to a dentist.

Dental Implants Look Natural

It’s almost impossible to differentiate between a good dental implant and a natural tooth. After an implant is fitted, it’s carved in a manner that makes it looks exactly like an original tooth. Many people choose dental implants as they feel more confident when they can smile and display natural-looking teeth.

Dental Implants Are A Long-term Solution:

Dental implants are designed to last for a very long time, as we discuss in another blog post. With good care, a dental implant could last 25 years or longer. Alternatives to dental implants usually need to be replaced within 5 to 10 years, which makes dental implants a good long-term solution.

At Pembroke Dental, we take great pride in our dental implants. Give us a call on 01 668 3242 to arrange an initial consultation. We’ll talk you through the whole process and outline the advantages and disadvantages of each treatment option.

Dental implants are excellent for people with mouth cavities caused by the loss of teeth. But how long dental implants will often depend on the kind of dental implant you have. Continue reading to find out more.

Most dental implants not only feel natural, but they go a long way toward boosting the self-esteem and confidence levels of those who install it. After a procedure, you are assured of getting rid of any teeth sensitivity and owning one of the best smiles of pride the world has ever seen.

How Dental Implants Work?

Dental implants are secured by the dentist into your jaw via titanium posts, making them not only aesthetically pleasing but highly functional, aiding spontaneous speech and eating. Unlike dentures, you are not always worried about whether or not your implants will come loose when telling your favourite stories. Also, your overall oral health is increased since implants aren’t anchored directly onto your teeth.

The procedure for a dental implant requires effort from you, your dentist that specialises in implants. and periodontist. After the preferred implant has been chosen, your periodontist will create a personal plan just for you. The implant procedure could be to replace a single tooth, several teeth or all of your teeth. All these needs are met with the right dental processes to ensure implants are placed excellently.

Different Types of Dental Implants And How Long They Last

There are two significant types you can fix when it comes to dental implants;

Endosteal Implants: made of titanium in the form of tiny screws, these implants are placed within your jawbone. In comparison, most people with missing teeth that are in need of implants prefer this type.

Subperiosteal Implants: this implant is used often in individuals with generally weak or natural jawbones. As a result, they cannot or have no preference for a bone augmentation procedure which can rebuild it. With this type of implant, the tooth is placed beneath the gum but above or on the jawbone.

In addition to any of these traditional multiple step implant procedure, your dentist may suggest alternative treatment options, depending on how strong your jaw is or your specific needs. The choices made available are as follows;

Mini Dental Implants: known as MDIs or small/narrow diameter implants, these implants are used mainly to stabilise a lower denture. They are thinner than commonly used implants, often the size of a toothpick, and are placed using less-evasive techniques.

Immediate Load Dental Implants: this temporary tooth is an excellent option if you have adequate natural bone, or if your implant is secure enough to support immediate pressure and placement on the new tooth. They are also known as same day implants or Teeth in a Day, and they allow temporary tooth placement during the same dental implant placement appointment.

All-on-4: this is referred to as a full arch and is a common alternative to the placing of a top or bottom set of replacement teeth. During this procedure, there is no bone grafting, as the dental implants, four in number, are placed on the bone. This requires the individual to adhere to a controlled diet during the healing time, as your bones adjust to the implant. Dental implants take six months to heal completely; after which you can resume your regular diet.

All dental implants are considered a permanent teeth replacement solutions, and as such, they are designed to last for a very long time. The approximate lifespan of a dental implant, no matter the type, is 25 years. The alternatives to dental implants, however, typically last between 5 to 15 years, after which they must be replaced.

At Pembroke Dental, we offer various alternatives to implants, dentures, bridges and mini-implants being examples. The type you choose must be decided upon after consultation has been made, and the advantages and drawbacks of each have been weighed with a top dental implant specialist in Ireland.