If you have lost a tooth, dental implants are an ideal solution for replacing it. Many patients will have implants installed as a permanent solution for missing teeth or to correct challenges with teeth that orthodontics have been unable to correct. This is a natural looking and durable solution that allows patients to eat their favorite foods and maintain an active lifestyle.
An implant does not depend on the surrounding teeth to stay in place. In this way, it is like a natural tooth with its own unique root system. By implanting a metal post under the gums and securing it to the jawbone, each implant has its own synthetic root system which is just as strong. This is what allows people to enjoy staying active and eating foods that may be considered too hard or sticky for dentures.
Generally, dental implants will stay in excellent condition over time. They are created out of ceramic which is stain resistant and won’t become infected. Additionally, since the root system is now a metal post, there is no risk of infection to the roots. This is a benefit that patients get with an implant over natural teeth.
It is important to note that teeth still need to be maintained in good health. While the implant itself cannot become infected, the teeth around it can. Bacteria can still become trapped in between the implant and the surrounding natural teeth. Brushing teeth twice a day, and flossing daily are important for ensuring that every tooth remains healthy. Gums can also become infected and keeping bacteria off of them is the best way to prevent this.
Unhealthy teeth and gums pose a risk to dental implants. If a cavity or small infection is allowed to spread, it can grow into a dental abscess which can reach into the jawbone. This is extremely painful and may even require surgery in order to stop the infection. The problem is that if the jawbone becomes infected, the implant will be in jeopardy. Implants depend on the strength of the jawbone for stability. In the long-run, this is an excellent solution, but it does mean that a dental abscess could create problems with the implant.
Having teeth cleaned twice a year can help to prevent an infection from developing in the first place or spreading if it does. The key is to have a cavity or gum disease treated right away. In the early stages, they are not painful, and the infection can easily be removed. This is the most convenient option. Problems arise when the infection is left untreated for a prolonged period of time. Even if you don’t want to visit the dentist twice a year, doing so can prevent a lot of pain and suffering down the road. The health of your mouth and your dental implants will be improved by taking this simple preventative step.
