What You Should Know Before Getting Dental Implants

Dental implants offer a long-term solution for people missing one tooth or multiple teeth. This tooth replacement option can restore the function and appearance of your smile. While dental implants are an effective treatment option for many patients, there are several important factors to consider before undergoing this procedure. Here is what you should know before getting dental implants.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that a dentist surgically places in the jawbone. These small posts are typically made of titanium or other biocompatible materials, offering a strong and durable foundation for a future dental restoration. Over time, through a process known as osseointegration, the implant fuses with the surrounding bone tissue; this process can take several months—up to six months—to complete, ensuring the implant is healed, stable, and secure.

After the implant has fully fused with the jawbone, the dentist can attach a crown, bridge, or dentures (fixed or removable) to the implant. This results in an artificial tooth or teeth that look and function like natural teeth.

Advantages of dental implants

Prevent bone loss

When a person loses a tooth, the bone tissue in the empty space deteriorates. This is because the tooth's root no longer stimulates the jawbone. If the patient does not replace the tooth in the first year after losing it, this section of the jaw is at risk of losing 25% of its volume, with bone loss continuing over the years. An implant replaces the root, restoring the chewing and biting stimulation the jawbone needs for natural bone growth.

Keep surrounding teeth stable

The gap from a missing tooth can cause adjacent teeth to shift toward the gap in order to fill it. This causes the remaining teeth to move out of position, affecting the patient's biting and chewing ability. It can also interfere with future tooth replacement procedures.

Restore chewing function

Because they act as artificial tooth roots, dental implants help restore full chewing and biting function. Many patients cannot tell the difference between their natural teeth and implants. With their new teeth, they can eat their favorite foods normally—without the restrictions associated with other restoration options like dentures.

Prevent facial sagging and premature aging

Some patients may notice sagging in their facial contours in the area affected by bone loss as a result of missing teeth. As the lower third of the face collapses, the distance between the tip of the nose and the chin gradually narrows. Changes can include excess wrinkles around the patient's mouth, thinner lips, and a more pointed chin, which can cause them to look older or more tired.

Possible risks and complications

Like any surgical procedure, dental implant surgery carries potential risks and complications. These may include:

• Infection
• Nerve or tissue damage
• Sinus damage
• Implant failure (failure of osseointegration)
• Improper implant placement
• Allergic reactions to implant material

While these complications are rare, it is important to consider them before undergoing the procedure. Be sure to ask questions during the consultation process and choose an experienced implant dentist, as this can help minimize the likelihood of complications and ensure a successful treatment outcome.

Who is eligible for dental implants?

Not everyone is a suitable candidate for dental implants. Before proceeding with the implant process, the dentist will thoroughly evaluate the patient's oral health, including the condition of their gums and jawbone. Ideal candidates will need to be in good overall health and have sufficient bone density to support the dental implants in the jawbone. However, the dentist may be able to perform a bone graft (bone augmentation) to build up the affected area before implant placement.

Maintenance and durability

It is important to maintain proper care and maintenance to ensure the long-term success of dental implants. Although implants do not decay like natural teeth, they are susceptible to peri-implantitis, which is a type of gum disease that affects the gum tissue around the implants. Good oral hygiene practices, including brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups, are essential for preserving the health of one's implants and surrounding structures. With proper care, dental implants can last for many years, if not a lifetime, making them a durable and reliable tooth replacement option.