Dental implants have rapidly become one of the most highly sought-after procedures for people with problems with missing teeth. Whether you are missing a single tooth, a few teeth, or all of your teeth, dental implants can be a viable solution for many patients. We offer dental implants at Cros Dental in Rancho Mirage, CA, so we know how much the procedure can mean to a patient.
What Is a Dental Implant?
In the most basic terms, a dental implant is an implant installed in the jaw bone. Once healed, the implant becomes a permanent support structure for a crown, which serves as a direct and long-term replacement for a missing tooth. Implants can be made of different materials, and the type of crown placed on the implant can also vary.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
You may be a good candidate for dental implants if you have mixing teeth or gaps in your smile, but there are general guidelines as well regarding who makes the best candidate for the procedure:
- You have a generally healthy mouth
- You do not have a high risk of infection
- You practice good oral hygiene habits
- You do not have medical issues that could cause issues
It is always best to discuss your unique situation with the cosmetic dentist to determine if you would be a good candidate, as every patient is different.
Dental Implant Techniques
The technique that is typically used to install dental implants is the endosteal technique. This technique involves securing the implant’s base by installing it into the jawbone and replacing the missing root. A method that is rarely used is the subperiosteal technique. This technique involves placing a metal framework beneath the gingival tissue and on the jaw bone. This method is generally used for individuals who have difficulty wearing dentures and those who do not have enough bone height to secure a dental implant.
What Makes Up a Dental Implant?
The type of implant that is used most often consists of titanium. Each of these titanium screws is used to secure a single crown or to assist with securing a bridge, which is a prosthesis that consists of multiple crowns (up to an entire arch). The number of teeth needing replacement determines the number of implants required. For example, if you need a full arch of teeth replaced (upper or lower), your Cros Dental dentist will most likely use the All-on-4 or All-on-6 method.
Using these methods, your dentist can use just four or six implants to secure an entire arch of teeth. If you want to replace your missing teeth with dental implants, your overall physical health is very important; however, so is your oral health. Your oral health can directly affect your dental implant procedure’s success. You probably have a healthy mouth if you have implemented an acceptable daily dental hygiene regimen. Nonetheless, if you have not, use the recommendations below to create one.
Your Daily Oral Health Regimen Should Include:
Brushing your teeth twice daily using fluoride toothpaste and a toothbrush with soft bristles. Be sure to choose products with the American Dental Association’s (ADA’s) Seal of Approval. To thoroughly clean your teeth and gingival tissue (aka gum tissue), each brushing session must last two minutes. You should also use ADA-approved dental floss and mouthwash at some point throughout the day.
You Should Floss At Least Once a Day
After your dental implants are placed, flossing is vital. If you have an entire arch of teeth replaced, unless you choose implant-supported removable dentures, you will need to gently floss around your dental implants by threading floss between your dental prosthesis and gingival tissue.
Keep Up with Your Bi-Annual Cleanings and Exams
Be sure to schedule your biannual dental cleanings and exams. Even if dental implants are your only teeth, you must keep up with your biannual cleanings and checkups. During these exams, your dentist can monitor the health of the bone and tissue surrounding your implants. During this exam, he or she also ensures you do not have a disease referred to as peri-implantitis. This disease causes inflammation around the dental implants, destroying the alveolar bone, which is the bone that secures the dental implant.
Before deciding to have any procedure, you must consider the pros and cons, including the procedure’s success rate. The good news is that implants have a high success rate (up to 98 percent). Therefore, as long as you start off on the right foot with a healthy mouth, a successful dental implant result is likely.
Let’s Talk About Restoring Your Smile with Dental Implants in Rancho Mirage, CA
With so many advancements in dental technology, there is no reason to be afraid to smile at the world around you. If you would like to know more about dental implants near me, contact us at Cros Dental in Rancho Mirage, CA, to schedule an appointment.
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