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Dental Implants: Are They Right for You?

3/9/2015

36 Comments

 
Natural tooth vs. Dental implantDental illustration by Dear Doctor (deardoctor.com)
Dental implants have been used for thousands of years to replace missing teeth. Archeologists have discovered ancient Mayan skulls as old as 600 A.D. with teeth replaced by carved stones (such as jade) to bits of seashells. Amazingly, some of these implants actually fused to the jawbone, which is essential to lasting success.

Over the past 25 years, dental implants have changed the face of dentistry. Current treatments offer a combination of science, research, and surgical skill.

How implants work

A dentist surgically positions the implant, or artificial root, in the jawbone. It becomes invisible once placed and acts as the anchor for a crown, bridgework or dentures. (See diagram.) Implants are used for single-tooth replacement, fixed multiple-tooth replacement, and removable implant-supported tooth replacement (dentures).

Titanium is often used for implants because it’s lightweight, strong and easily fuses to the bone. In addition to replacing lost teeth, dental implants stabilize the bone and helps maintain the jawbone’s shape and density. Dental implants also support the facial skeleton and soft tissue structures—gums, cheeks and lips. The face remains completely natural-looking when eating, chewing, talking, and smiling.

Are you a good candidate?

Generally speaking, if you have lost teeth, then you’re candidate for dental implants. You must be in good health without any medical conditions that may affect whether dental implants will fuse to your bone. In consulting your dentist, it is important to give your medical status (past and present) as well as all the medications, including prescriptions, alternative (herbal), or over-the-counter.

Before an implant, your dentist conducts a detailed assessment of your mouth and jaw, which includes models of your mouth and bite as well as x-rays and 3D scans. Experience in the use of computer imaging and dental surgery helps to ensure that the implants are placed in exactly the right position in the bone. A simple, uncomplicated dental implant placement usually takes less than an hour. Healing is quick, with only minor discomfort that can be managed with ibuprofen or similar medication. The implant generally requires two to six months to fuse to the jawbone before tooth restorations are attached.

Maintenance

Like natural teeth, implants do require daily brushing and flossing to control bacteria. Regular visits to your dentist are also necessary for cleaning and to make sure the implant is stable and crowns, bridgework or dentures are functioning satisfactorily.

Better With Than Without

Dental implants not only replace missing teeth—they protect the jawbone from bone loss and help support the facial skeleton, lips and cheeks. In addition to the obvious cosmetic advantages, your decision to investigate a dental implant will help preserve your oral health for years to come.


36 Comments
Implant Dentistry Essendon link
6/4/2019 08:01:01 pm

Consult your dentist to help you decide if dental implants is right for you.Thanks for sharing.

Reply
Rosie Beckett link
8/14/2019 10:10:43 am

I have a few missing teeth and I am thinking about getting dental implants so I appreciate the important information in this article. It makes a lot of sense that implant recovery is quick and minimally painful. Also, it gives me peace of mind to know that computer imaging and technology makes sure that the implants are put in the exact right position in your mouth.

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Randy Chorvack link
8/19/2019 12:03:14 pm

It's really cool that variations of dental implants were around during 600 A.D. I'm glad that we've evolved from carved stones and seashells though. Still, it's interesting to know that we discovered that technology so early.

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David Johnson link
9/18/2019 07:44:34 pm

It seems great that if you've lost teeth, you're a candidate for implants. My brother actually recently lost a tooth playing football. We'll have to look into getting an implant.

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Derek McDoogle link
10/4/2019 07:00:41 am

I like how you explained that titanium is often used for implants because it’s lightweight, strong and easily fuses to the bone. My aunt had an accident and she lost a tooth. I will recommend her to check dental implants so she can feel more comfortable when she smiles.

Reply
kate hansen link
10/23/2019 11:19:29 am

It was really helpful when you said that you should get a dental implant if you have lost teeth. A couple of years ago my sister was on a late-night run and slipped and caused a tooth of hers to fall out. I'll make sure to pass this information along to her so she can look into getting a dental implant!

Reply
Dennis Sanchez link
11/4/2019 04:18:12 pm

I thought it was interesting when you mentioned that if you have lost teeth, you are a good candidate for dental implants. My sister was born without a couple of her teeth but she might be too young to get them for now. I'll be sure to mention to our parents that they should look into getting implants for her when she is a couple of years older.

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James Borst link
11/11/2019 08:51:22 pm

My mom told me that she is getting dental implants next week to replace the tooth she lost. It is interesting that titanium is often used because it is strong and lightweight. If I were missing teeth or I may talk to a dentist about getting dental implants.

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Tori Raddison link
11/25/2019 07:17:13 am

I didn't know that implants will help support your facial skeleton, but that's really good to know. I want to make sure that the teeth I'm missing won't affect me a lot. Maybe I should get implants soon.

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Luke Smith link
12/9/2019 08:03:58 am

It's good to know that your dentist conducts a thorough check-up of your oral hygiene before subjecting you to any operation or implantation. I understand that undergoing a dental implant procedure is my best option of having a complete set of teeth that are required for my FA application. At lunchtime, I'll be sure to contact a recommended dentist of my loved ones and inquire about their implant appointments and the rates.

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Sarah Smith link
2/4/2020 03:19:08 pm

Thanks for explaining that dental implants can be used for single teeth or multiples. My little brother hasn't lost a tooth, but he did chip one a year ago and it is turning a dark brown color. I think it would be best to have him see a restorative dentist.

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kate hansen link
2/14/2020 11:43:02 am

It's good to know that you're a candidate for dental implants if you have lost teeth. My husband recently lost a tooth of his a couple of weeks ago, and he was telling me last night about how he was wondering if there would be any way to fix it. I'll make sure to pass this information along to him so he can look into getting a dental implant in the future!

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Dr. Beth Vander Schaaf link
4/21/2020 01:02:46 am

Dental implants have a high success rate. However there are number of factors on which its success depends including your dental and oral health. Patients who do not qualify for a full dental implant procedure can opt for a variety of alternatives, including dental bridges and removable options, which are also a permanent alternative, and can be removed for cleaning and examination by only your dentist.

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rachel frampton link
5/15/2020 05:56:23 pm

I have always been insecure about my missing front tooth; that's why I'm considering to have a dental implant. I never knew that before the implant procedure, the dentist will conduct a detailed assessment of my mouth and jaw first just to verify whether I am ready for the said procedure. Once it's done, I'll also keep in mind to visit my dentist regularly so he will be able to monitor my dental implant's stability.

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Fred Gibbons link
6/19/2020 11:24:22 am

It's awesome that you point out that dental implants are a great way to protect your oral health if you are missing teeth. I lost one of my front teeth when someone elbowed me in a basketball game recently, so I'm thinking about going to a dental clinic to get an implant. I'm going to search for a good dental clinic in my area that does implants.

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Conrad O'Connor link
6/19/2020 11:59:32 am

It's great that you elaborate on how getting a dental implant is a very effective way to replace a missing tooth. I lost one of my teeth playing tennis last week, so I'm considering going to a dentist to get a dental implant. I'm going to look for a good local dentist that does dental implants.

Reply
Patrick Ross link
6/25/2020 07:19:30 am

I like what you said about being a good candidate for dental implants if you've lost teeth. My sister lost a tooth while playing soccer the other day. I'll share this information with her so that she can look into her options for dentists who can help her with this.

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Bob Newton link
7/7/2020 12:08:20 pm

It's awesome that you mention that getting a dental implant can help prevent you from suffering bone loss if you have lost a tooth. One of my teeth got knocked out when I crashed on my skateboard a few days ago, so I'm thinking about going to a dentist to get a dental implant. I'm going to look for a reputable dental clinic in my area that does implants.

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ellie davis link
7/10/2020 06:58:07 am

It's interesting to know that dental implants will require daily brushing and flossing like normal teeth. My husband is thinking about replacing a broken tooth, and we are looking for advice. I will let him know about the benefits of dental implants to help him decide.

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Alec Burns link
7/15/2020 12:43:53 pm

It's awesome that you point out that a dental implant is a very effective replacement for a missing tooth. One of my front teeth got knocked out in a rugby game a couple of weekends ago, so I'm considering getting a dental implant. I'm going to search in my area for a good dentist that does dental implants.

Reply
Zachary Tomlinson link
8/17/2020 11:48:20 pm

I find it amazing to learn that a dental implant could work as a replacement for a missing tooth, and you can think of them as if they're natural ones. My friend lost a couple of his teeth due to a motorcycle accident, and she's looking for a way to get her smile back. I'll share this with her so she'd consider visiting a dentist for implants.

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Jonathan Hansen link
8/28/2020 09:00:43 am

It's awesome that this article points out that dental implants can improve your appearance if you are missing teeth. I lost a tooth when I fell while I was jogging last night, so I'm considering getting a dental implant. I'm going to search for a reputable dentist in my area who does dental implants.

Reply
wade joel link
9/3/2020 11:49:58 am

I loved that you mentioned if you lose a tooth, you are a candidate for dental implants. My wife and I are thinking about how to improve our dental health, and we are looking for advice. I will let her know about your recommendations to understand the benefits of dental implants.

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Chris Pederson link
5/27/2021 10:40:04 am

I'm glad dentists will do a detailed assessment of your mouth before giving you an implant. This is reassuring because it means the implant will be based around your whole mouth. And not just the single spot where I am missing a tooth.

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Braden Bills link
7/8/2021 07:05:18 am

Some of my teeth have started getting loose, and I'm concerned about what I should do about it. It makes sense that I would want to get dental implants if I lose them! That seems like a great way to ensure that my smile ends up looking like normal.

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Henry Killingsworth link
7/22/2021 12:22:59 pm

I thought it was interesting when you talked about how titanium is often used for dental implants because of how easily it fuses to bones. As far as I know, you want implants to fuse to your jawbone so that the teeth around it can't shift. If teeth in your mouth shift, things like impaction can occur.

Reply
Chance Cook link
7/27/2021 05:05:12 am

I thought dental implants were only for certain people. I'm glad I can get some simply because I have lost some teeth. Hopefully, I can fix my smile with these.

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Adam Golightly link
8/20/2021 12:27:28 pm

My brother has been thinking about getting a dental implant for his missing left molar. Getting it replaced by a professional could allow him to be more effective. It was interesting to learn about how an implant should be done after a detailed assessment of the mouth to make sure that they are placed properly.

Reply
Hailey Miller link
9/21/2021 05:39:57 pm

Thanks for pointing out that dental implants are used to replace missing teeth. This is really helpful because I lost two of my teeth due to a bike accident last week. I am hoping to find a reliable dentist on Monday who can provide me with high-quality dental implants to improve my smile and self-esteem.

Reply
Lillian Mims link
2/9/2022 07:56:10 am

Dental implants also support the facial skeleton and soft tissue structures gums, cheeks and lips.Thank you for sharing your great post!

Reply
Tarsha Pesina link
2/14/2022 11:03:06 am

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots used to support a restoration for a missing tooth or teeth, helping to stop or prevent jaw bone loss.

Reply
Cosmetic Dentistry Essendon link
9/5/2022 09:00:20 pm

This was very helpful. Great job.

Reply
John G. Kostides D.D.S.,PC link
1/1/2023 05:45:29 pm

Dental implants offer an effective, long-term solution to replace missing teeth. They look and feel like natural teeth and can last a lifetime with proper care. While they may initially require a larger investment than other tooth replacement options, dental implants can provide greater peace of mind in the long run. If you are considering replacing your missing teeth, it is important to speak with your dentist to determine if dental implants are right for you.

Reply
Noblesville Family Dentistry link
1/1/2023 05:58:51 pm

Dental implants are a great solution for replacing missing teeth. They can restore both your oral health and smile, while also providing you with a natural looking and strong replacement. With the right care and maintenance, they can last a lifetime. I'm curious though, what are some alternatives?

Reply
Schererville Family Dentistry link
1/1/2023 06:13:06 pm

Very informative blog! This is helpful since I'm not sure if I should get dental implants for myself. What are the best alternatives for dental implants?

Reply
Peter J Blank, DDS link
1/1/2023 06:47:39 pm

Dental implants are a great way to restore your teeth and smile. They look and feel like natural teeth, and they last a long time if taken care of properly. Your dentist will be able to assess your needs and determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. There are other alternatives for restoring missing teeth, such as bridges or dentures, but dental implants offer the strongest and most secure option.

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    Combining her 20+ years of experience as a dentist with a concern for her community, Therese is uniquely qualified to care for her patients. She routinely schedules educational programs featuring "Mr. Molar" for schoolchildren to teach the value of oral hygiene.

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