Dental Implants Are The Best Long-Term Tooth Replacement Option
Modern dentistry offers several options to replace missing teeth, but the best permanent tooth replacement solution is a dental implant. With success rates of over 95%, dental implants are the most cost-effective option for tooth replacement over time. Dental implant surgery is a minimally invasive procedure, using local anesthesia in most cases. To restore the function, health, and aesthetics of your mouth and improve your overall health, make an appointment today with one of our dental experts at Vienna Family Dentistry & Implant Center so you can smile with confidence again.
How Implants Work
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root surgically placed into the jawbone where a tooth once existed. The small titanium post (implant) fuses with the jawbone to create a healthy, secure environment for later placement of a natural-looking prosthetic tooth (crown). The healing period is a few months. The implant and crown are joined by an abutment, a metal base for the crown that gives the crown stability and durability.
Tooth Replacement Options Using Dental Implants
Dental implants are great long-term options for single (Figure 1), multiple (Figure 2), and full mouth tooth replacement (Figure 3). Implants can also provide support for removable dentures (Figure 4), making dentures more comfortable, functional, and healthier to wear by taking the pressure off underlying bone and stopping the acceleration of bone loss.
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
Implant Care and Maintenance
Dental implants are the best long-term option for replacement teeth with the highest success rates. However, dental implants can fail if the implant detaches from the bone. This can happen in one of two ways. First, without proper oral hygiene, peri-implantitis, a bacterial infection that destroys gum tissues surrounding the implant, can develop and lead to dental implant loss. Second, excessive biting forces (teeth clenching and grinding) or an inadequate number of implants to handle the biting forces can cause wear and tear and breakage. Wearing night guards regularly can help protect implants from damage.
Dental implants are great long-term investments. Protect your investment by brushing and flossing daily and visiting your dental office for regular checkups and professional cleanings.