Dental Implants and its Role in Restorative Dentistry

Missing teeth? You’re not alone.

At this very moment, there are 178 million Americans that are living with at least one missing tooth. This accounts for over 50% of the population who are struggling with the spaces in their smile, the pain in their bite, difficulty chewing on their favourite foods, and embarrassment every time they open their mouth to speak. From a young age, we have been told that missing teeth are inevitable with age, but now there is a more permanent solution available.

Here’s the good news…

Dental implants have completely transformed the field of restorative dentistry. We’re not just talking about replacing your missing teeth. Implants have the power to change lives, by restoring function, confidence and improving the quality of life.

In this article, we will be going over:

• How do dental implants work?
• The advantages implants have over traditional restorative solutions
• The staggering success rates modern implants enjoy
• The long list of health benefits implants have outside of the mouth

So, whether you’re just learning about dental implants or curious to learn what’s new in the world of implants, this article is for you.

What are dental implants anyway?

Dental implants are the artificial tooth roots that are surgically placed into the jawbone. They are like anchors that hold replacement teeth securely in place. Unlike dentures that rest on your gums or bridges that clamp onto neighbouring teeth, implants are fused to your bone.

Revolutionary right?

In fact, implants are made of three different parts that work in tandem. There’s the titanium post that is embedded in your jawbone. Then, there’s the abutment that connects the post to the crown (visible tooth part). The crown is custom-made to match your existing teeth. Finding a quality dental implants clinic in Sydney or your local area is key to getting the best results with implants through proper planning and expert care.

Why Dental Implants Changed the Game

So what’s so special about dental implants?

Unlike bridges and dentures, they are the only tooth replacement solution that actually prevents bone loss. You see, when a tooth is missing your jaw bone starts deteriorating due to lack of stimulation. Dental implants correct this by filling in the missing tooth roots.

Here’s what this means for you:

• Stable facial structure
• Avoid sunken in look as you age
• Surrounding teeth remain in place
• Maintain bite alignment

Traditional dentures and bridges just don’t do this. They rest on top of your gums but do nothing for what’s going on underneath. This is why denture wearers require frequent relines and adjustments over time to keep up with the shrinking of their jaw bone.

The Success Rates That Speak for Themselves

Let me just drop some stats on you….

Dental implants have higher success rates than most medical procedures. Recent studies show that 4 out of 5 implants placed are still intact after 20 years. Can you believe that?

And it gets better. In the first five years after the initial surgery, the success rate for dental implants is an impressive 98.6%. These aren’t just statistics. These are real people that have had their lives transformed through modern dentistry.

The secret to their reliability?

The process is called osseointegration. This is the scientific term used to describe the bonding of the titanium implant to your jawbone. Your body naturally accepts the implant and bonds with it. This fusion creates a permanent foundation for your new teeth.

How Implants Restore Function and Confidence

Here’s the thing about missing teeth…

They do more than just make your smile look incomplete.

Did you know that people with missing teeth tend to struggle to eat their favourite foods? They shy away from social situations and avoid smiling in photos. They even feel older than they are. The good news is that dental implants solve all of these issues at once.

Here are some of the massive functional benefits dental implants offer:

• Enjoy chewing any food with full force
• Speak clearly without worrying about slipping teeth
• No more dietary restrictions like you have with dentures
• Easy to clean just like natural teeth
• Never have to remove them at night

And don’t even get me started on the psychological impact. Trust me, life-changing is the only way to describe it. When you’re able to smile without hesitation, eat without embarrassment, and talk without fear. Your whole outlook on life improves.

The Health Benefits Outside the Mouth

Did you know dental implants play a role in your general health?

Chewing your food properly helps you digest better. Maintaining your jawbone structure also preserves your facial appearance.

The issue of missing teeth has been associated with:

• Nutritional deficiencies from avoiding certain foods
• Digestion problems from improper chewing
• Jaw pain and TMJ disorders
• Gum disease progression

By restoring your ability to eat a healthy diet and properly chew, implants take care of these problems in a big way. And because they are strong, stable and well supported, the surrounding bone and teeth are preserved.

There are different types of dental implants

Did you know that not all dental implants are created equal?

The type of implant you need depends on your situation. Single tooth implants replace one tooth without affecting the neighbouring teeth. Multiple tooth implants can anchor a bridge without grinding down neighbouring teeth. Full arch implants replace all your teeth in an arch using only 4-6 implants.

The All-on-4 procedure is becoming increasingly popular for full mouth tooth replacement. Instead of placing an implant for every missing tooth, this technique uses only 4 implants to anchor a full arch of teeth. It’s a quicker, more affordable option with excellent results.

The Technology Behind It All

Here’s where things get really interesting…

Advancements in dental implant technology have come a long way. Dentists can now use digital imaging to plan their surgeries in incredible detail. 3D scanning technology creates an exact model of your mouth. And computer guided surgery is being used to place implants in the optimal position.

All of these technological advancements mean shorter procedures, faster healing times, more predictable outcomes, and less discomfort during recovery. The materials have also improved. Titanium still remains the material of choice for 93% of implants. However, zirconia implants have emerged as a metal-free alternative.

Who Can Benefit from Dental Implants?

Thinking dental implants aren’t for you?

Think again.

The majority of people missing teeth make great candidates for dental implants. Age isn’t a limiting factor either. In fact, 12.9% of all implant patients are between the ages of 65 and 74 years old. As long as you have enough bone density and healthy gums, implants are an option.

Even if you have been told you don’t have enough bone for implants, there are modern techniques like bone grafting that can solve that problem. The key is working with an experienced dentist who can properly assess your situation and recommend the best treatment plan for your needs.

Dental Implants Require Maintenance

This is the best part of all about dental implants….

You care for them the exact same way you care for your natural teeth. Brush them twice a day. Floss around them twice a day. Visit your dentist regularly for dental cleanings.

There are no special cleansers. No soaking them overnight in some solution. No need for adhesives. Normal oral hygiene is all you need.

Of course, you do need to be diligent in your care. Just as with natural teeth, proper maintenance will ensure your implants last you a lifetime. Regular visits to your dentist will allow you to catch any issues early. And if you smoke? Quitting drastically improves your chances of long-term success.

Conclusion

Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that actually prevent bone loss. They have a higher success rate than most medical procedures, lasting 20+ years with the right care and maintenance. And as technology advances, the techniques only get more advanced as do the results.

If you have been missing teeth, it’s worth the time and effort to see if dental implants are the right option for you. You only get one mouth, why not take the best possible care of it? Invest in your oral health now, and it will pay dividends for years to come.