Are Dental Implants Suitable for Me?
Whether they’re missing teeth because of disease, decay or an accident, many people wonder if dental implants could help them. Fortunately, very few medical complaints interfere with the use of dental implants, so most patients can have them with no problems. Also, because implants involve the use of titanium which has a high biocompatibility level, it is virtually impossible to be allergic to them. Whilst dental implants are in common use, they are rarely used in children or teenagers. If they were to be used for a child or teenager who had not finished growing, there would be a risk of the implant becoming submerged as the bone grows around the implant.
As well as the requirement that the patient has finished growing, they must have sufficient bone of excellent quality around the intended site of implant, so that the titanium part of the implant can be embedded into the bone.
If you are hoping for dental implants but have been told that you do not have adequate bone in the intended area of implantation, there are other options available to you. When all or most of the teeth have been lost, the gum and bone around the jaw naturally recedes as it is no longer needed to support teeth. A prosthesis can be made with a section of acrylic or ceramic gum into which a denture can be placed. It will be possible to remove the denture easily so that it may be cleaned.
In less extreme cases of tooth loss, either a crown or a bridge will normally suffice. When only one tooth has been lost, a crown can be placed into the mouth, held in by a single implant. Where two or more teeth have been lost, dental bridges can replace the teeth, they use minimal dental implants so a relatively cost effective.
Once you have dental implants, the single most vital thing affecting their longevity is how well they are taken care of. Just as with normal teeth, cleaning them regularly will keep them healthy and prevent gum disease.
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