General Dentistry: When Would a Dentist Recommend Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a common solution to replace missing teeth. A dentist often recommends this procedure because there are numerous benefits when compared to other replacement options. No matter how many teeth a patient is missing, implants may be an effective treatment.

Candidates that may benefit from dental implants

Common candidates for implants are those missing one or more teeth. They may be missing due to an injury or severe decay. Even if a person has a full set of teeth, a dentist may recommend extracting a decayed tooth that is beyond repair and replacing it with an implant.

Although implants may be the right solution for missing teeth, not everyone is a good candidate for the procedure. If someone does not have enough density in the jawbone, an implant is usually not recommended unless a bone graft is performed first. A dentist may not recommend implants if the patient has underlying health issues that would interfere with the healing of the bone. Patients who get implants should also have good oral hygiene habits, as this is critical to keep the implants and other teeth healthy.

Although there are numerous procedures to replace missing teeth, implants are recommended because of a variety of benefits. They look and function like natural teeth, which results in improved appearance and confidence.

Dentists like implants because they actually insert into bone, which not only allows for a stable foundation, but it also prevents the jawbone from deteriorating. Other benefits include:

• The long-term solution, as they usually last a lifetime
• Easy to clean
• High success rate
• Improved speech
• Comfortable and convenient

Implant procedure

Dental implants are also recommended for patients who understand what to expect, as it is not a quick process. The procedure requires multiple visits, and the total completion time takes an average of eight to 12 months.

Implant placement

The first part of the implant procedure is to place the implants, which are titanium rods, into the jawbone. These implants serve as the roots of the teeth, so they are deeply implanted. Once this is finished, time is needed to allow the site to heal and to allow the jawbone to grow around the implants. This may take four to six months.

Abutment placement

The next step is to place the abutments, which is where the crown will attach, on top of the implants. After this step, the area must heal for about two weeks.

Crown fabrication

Once the gums are healed, an impression is taken of the mouth, and this is used to make the crowns or artificial teeth.

Crown placement

Once the crowns have been made, which may take around two weeks, they are placed on the abutments, and patients are ready to enjoy their new teeth.