One of the most common and popular tooth replacement processes is getting dental implants. All thanks to developments in the medical field, dental implants are considered one of the most reliable dental procedures. They cannot only provide natural-looking teeth for a long period of time, but they can also function as natural teeth as well. With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. Since one does not have to remove and reattach dental implants on a daily basis, they have the ability to last decades upon decades. They are also popular choices for missing, damaged, broken, or chipped teeth. But you might wonder how dental implants stay in place even when you are eating and speaking like you would with your natural teeth. The science behind dental implants is very simple for you to understand. Your dentist at Burbank Dental Lab can tell you the art and science of dental implants and whether or not you should go for it. Let us understand a few things about dental implants and how they stay in place.
The process of getting dental implants
Similar to a screw from a hardware shop, dental implants are made with grooves. Although these grooves initially aid the implants in fusing with the bone, this is not the secret to their long-term stability. Typically, titanium (a metal that human bone naturally forms a bond with) is used to make dental implants. Following implantation, the titanium progressively fuses with the residual dental bone, just as a normal tooth’s root does. “Osseointegration” is the term for this fusion process. A three to six-month healing time is necessary for this natural process, during which the healing implant needs little to no stimulation. As a result, the dental implant integrates with the jawbone and begins to operate much like a natural tooth.
How do dental implants stay in place?
Dental implants won’t move since they are firmly fastened into the jawbone. The section of the implant that is embedded in your jawbone will stay intact and will not move out of position. But sometimes if in case of an unanticipated oral trauma, it might harm the implant’s crown piece. Without changing the remainder of the implant, the crown can be easily fixed or replaced if it sustains any damage.
Tips to keep your dental implants healthy:
- Your memory of dental implants may fade with time because of how natural they seem and feel. It’s bad for your dental implants if you bite your nails, eat ice, or use your teeth to open plastic packaging or bottles. The artificial tooth that is fastened to the titanium screws may break or chip.
- Although the prosthetic tooth attached to your implants is made out of stain-resistant materials, it is still advised to limit your intake of foods and beverages that might cause stains. If food stains are not removed right away by brushing or washing them away, they may set in permanently and change the way your teeth look. Avoid consuming dark teas, coffee, soda, red wine, and berries to prevent tooth discoloration.
- For people who often clench or grind their teeth, as well as those who participate in contact sports and other risky sports activities like rugby or boxing, a mouth guard is a highly advised dental device. It guards against possible harm to the teeth and dental implants.
Why should you visit your dentist regularly?
Even though dental implants are artificial teeth, frequent dental checkups are still important for keeping them in the best shape and health. Periodically, your dental implants as well as the health of your gums and natural teeth will need to be examined by the dentist. According to Premier Smile Center in Fort Lauderdale, dental implants can last up to 30 years if taken care of properly. To maintain your teeth and gums in the best possible condition, your dentist will provide both preventative and restorative treatment as needed. Good dental implant care includes frequent dental appointments.
There are many measures that should be taken to ensure that your dental implants stay healthy and fully functional for years to come. Just like you would care for your natural teeth, even your dental implants need proper care, attention, and helpful habits. Moreover, not everyone is a good candidate for dental implants. You might need bone grafting if your jaw does not have enough bone density to hold the embedded titanium screw. In such cases, you should always go for a reliable dental health care provider for the best advice about your teeth as well as overall oral health. Your dentist will do a thorough dental examination, take any necessary X-rays or photographs, listen while you discuss your oral and general health history, and address any concerns you may have about the operation during your session. Additionally, he will carry out a test to see whether you are a suitable candidate for dental implants.