Dental implants are a permanent solution to lost teeth and various other dental problems. That’s why more than 2.5 million Americans get dental implants every year. More than 150 million Americans, many of whom are from Virginia, have at least one missing tooth. While dental implants can provide a permanent solution for missing teeth, they can be a little expensive.
Therefore, when looking for a dentist in Leesburg, VA, it is essential to ensure that the dentist has sufficient qualifications and experience performing dental implant surgeries. It is also pertinent to mention that a failed dental implant can lead to several complications.
Different types of dental implants
A dental implant is an artificial structure that a dentist installs in your jawbone to replace the lost teeth with artificial ones. Your dental surgeon will use a screw-like structure in your jawbone, which will anchor the artificial tooth, also known as the crown.
Depending on how an implant is attached to your jawbone, it can be categorized into two types.
- Endosteal implants: Endosteal implants are the most commonly used implants that look like screws, blades, or cylinders, which are implanted in your jawbone during the surgery. Each implant is designed to hold a prosthetic tooth customized to fit your jawbone. An endosteal implant is best suited for those with removable dentures or bridges.
- Subperiosteal implants: A subperiosteal dental implant uses a metal framework that sticks out through the gum and has posts to hold prosthetic teeth in place. It is well suited for those who are unable to wear removable dentures or have insufficient bone in their jaws.
Who may need dental implants?
Dental implants can be the right choice if you relate to one of the following.
- If you have one or more missing teeth
- If you do not have an underlying condition that could affect bone healing
- If your jawbone has reached full growth
- If your oral tissues are healthy
- If you have sufficient bone mass in your jawbone to handle a bone graft
- If you do not want to wear dentures
- If you are willing to wait several months for the healing process
- If you want to improve your speech
- If you don’t smoke tobacco
Who should avoid dental implants?
However, it is pertinent to mention that dental implant surgeries may not be meant for everyone. The following individuals should not opt for dental implant surgery.
- If you have an acute illness
- If you have an uncontrollable metabolic disease
- If you have a bone or tissue infection
- If you have a smoking habit
- If you have a habit of grinding teeth or clenching
- If you have a psychiatric or behavioral disorder
- If you have an illness like HIV or diabetes
Advantages and downsides of dental implants
Dental implants have several advantages, some of which are as follows.
- Dental implants are permanent and feel more comfortable and natural.
- They have a higher success rate.
- They can significantly improve your chewing function.
- A dental implant reduces the risk of cavities in the nearby teeth.
- Ensures better maintenance of jawbone
- Reduces sensitivity in the nearby tooth
- Does not need to be removed and cleaned
Apart from the above, there may be some downsides to dental implants. However, the advantages certainly outweigh the downsides.
- A failed surgery can lead to nerve damage and cause sensation and pain.
- The incision may get opened following the surgery
- Implant can move from its place
- Infection at the location of the implant
- Implant exposure above the gumline.
Final takeaway
Although dental implant surgeries are common, complications cannot be denied. However, such risks can be effectively mitigated by consulting a highly experienced and skilled dentist for the surgery. Furthermore, it is also important to follow the aftercare instructions provided by your dentist to increase the success rate of the surgery.