Endosteal implants are ideal for patients who already have removable dentures or bridges. You'll need sufficient jawbone volume before oral surgery to receive an implant.

Subperiosteal implants, on the other hand, are placed on top of the jaw. Posts with a metal framework will stick out through your gums. They will hold the prosthetic teeth in place.

Subperiosteal implants are ideal for patients without sufficient jawbone or people who can't wear removable dentures. Implant-supported dentures and bridges are also available. 

Dental Implant Benefits

Before seeking dental care services, schedule a consultation appointment wAn estimated 120 million people in the US are missing at least one tooth, with 36 million missing all the teeth in one or both jaws. Are you missing a tooth? Without permanent tooth replacement, you could experience complications.

Talk to your Macedonia, OH dentist about dental implants for missing teeth. As one of the top missing teeth solutions, implants can restore your smile and functionality.

Not sure if implant dentistry is right for you? Read on to learn more! 

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are artificial replacements for lost tooth roots. Unlike dentures, they're installed surgically into the jawbone. This ensures stability and functionality.

The dental implant will hold an artificial tooth (crown). They provide a strong foundation for removable or fixed (permanent) replacement teeth. Your dentist can even color-match them to your existing teeth. 

As missing teeth solutions, implants provide a natural-looking and feeling alternative to temporary replacement options. With proper care, your implant can last years. 

However, oral surgery for dental implants is more expensive than some alternative treatments. They're also not suitable for patients who lack sufficient jaw bone volume. 

Ideal Patients

Not all patients are ideal candidates for permanent tooth replacement with implants. You're likely an ideal candidate if you have:

• Good general health
• Good oral health
• A fully grown jawbone
• Enough jawbone for the implant
• Healthy gum tissue (no periodontal disease)
• Time to commit to the process

Smokers and patients with gum disease are not ideal candidates for treatment. Your dentist may recommend alternatives if you have an underlying medical condition. This includes bone disorders or autoimmune conditions like diabetes. 

Types of Dental Implants

There are two main types of dental implants.

Endosteal implants are more common. They look like a cylinder or screw that's implanted into the jawbone. They're designed to hold one or more prosthetic teeth. With your Macedonia dentist. They'll help you weigh the pros and cons of your tooth replacement options. Here are a few dental implant benefits to consider.

Improved Oral Health

Among adults ages 35 to 44, about 69% have lost a tooth. Among adults ages 65 to 74, 26% have lost all their teeth. Even a single missing tooth can affect your oral health.

For example, food particles, bacteria, and saliva may hide in the hole left by a lost tooth. Plaque and tartar can form. As the bacteria spreads, your risk of tooth decay and gum disease increases.

Tooth decay can lead to complications like an infection or sepsis. Gum disease can increase your risk of cardiovascular health conditions, lung disease, and diabetes.

Failing to seek treatment can cause your teeth to shift toward the gap. Your teeth will become crooked, leading to future issues. For example, you may notice a change in your bite or develop a lisp. 

You may need orthodontic treatment to straighten your teeth before getting an implant. Instead, talk to your dentist to begin treatment immediately. 

You can close the gap in your smile with a dental implant and prosthetic. This will make it easier for you to brush and floss. You can maintain a healthy, beautiful smile without needing full mouth rehabilitation.

Comfort

After losing a tooth, your gums will change to fill the hole left behind. This could cause your dentures to shift around or become loose. You may need to get your dentures realigned.

Dental implants, however, are a part of your natural smile. They won't shift when you speak or eat. This can help you avoid feeling embarrassed about your prosthetics. 

Chew and Digest

You may notice it's more difficult to chew if you're missing teeth. Some patients start avoiding foods, which can lead to vitamin deficiencies. Getting a dental implant can improve your ability to chew. 

Dentures, on the other hand, will slide within your mouth, making chewing difficult. You may swallow large chunks of food, which can cause digestive issues. 

Appearance and Confidence

A missing tooth can make you feel uncomfortable in social settings. You may stop smiling to hide your teeth, reducing serotonin production. 

Dental care services like implants can restore your smile. Your crown will match your existing teeth, hiding the fact that it's a prosthetic. You can improve your appearance and feel more confident.

Without treatment, your cheeks may collapse inward, creating a sunken appearance. Your skin may sag, causing wrinkles. 

Dental implants can help you avoid these changes. You can keep your jaw's structural integrity before bone loss occurs.

The Procedure

During your consultation appointment, your Macedonia dentist will take X-rays of your teeth and jaw to make models. They'll assess your oral health to determine if you need a bone graft first.

The procedure involves:

• Cutting open your gums
• Drilling holes into your jawbone
• Inserting the implant post
• Placing a temporary denture over the hole

After the implant placement, osseointegration can take between two and six months. This allows the bone to grow around the implant. Your natural bone will strengthen to keep the implant in place.

Later, your dentist will place the metal extender (abutment) over the implant. This connects the implant to your replacement tooth. 

Finally, your dentist will create your crown and permanently cement or screw it over the abutment. Dental implants have a 97% success rate for 10 years. You can enjoy your natural-looking smile for years to come!

Replace Your Missing Teeth Today

Missing teeth can affect your functionality and quality of life. Instead of avoiding treatment, consider dental implants. You can restore your smile and avoid future health complications. 

Our team at Q&A Dental Care provides exceptional, comprehensive services with a focus on patient comfort and convenience. We can protect your smile for years! 

We have an in-house laboratory for fast turnabouts in prosthetic dentistry. Contact us to schedule your next appointment.