Losing a tooth can have a significant impact on your self-confidence and oral health. Dental implants provide a long-lasting solution that replaces the missing tooth root and creates a stable foundation for a natural-looking replacement tooth. Let’s delve into the world of dental implants and understand their importance. There are two primary types of dental implants singapore:
- Endosteal implants: These implants are placed directly into the jawbone. They are the most common type and are shaped like small screws, cylinders, or plates.
- Subperiosteal implants: These implants are positioned on or above the jawbone, underneath the gum tissue. They are suitable for patients who lack the necessary bone height for endosteal implants.
Importance
Dental implants offer numerous benefits that make them an essential solution for tooth loss. Let’s explore why they are crucial for your oral health and overall well-being.
- Enhancing Appearance: Missing teeth can affect your facial structure, causing a sagging or sunken appearance. Dental implants not only fill in the gaps but also provide support to the surrounding facial tissues. This helps maintain your natural facial contours and restores your smile, giving you a more youthful and vibrant appearance.
- Preserving Bone Structure: When a tooth is lost, the underlying jawbone begins to deteriorate due to lack of stimulation. It act as replacement tooth roots, stimulating the jawbone and preventing bone loss. This preserves the bone structure and maintains the integrity of your facial features.
The Dental Implant Procedure
The dental implant procedure typically involves several stages. Let’s take a closer look at each step.
- Evaluation and Planning: During the initial consultation, your dentist will evaluate your oral health, take X-rays, and determine if dental implants are the right option for you. They will create a customized treatment plan based on your specific needs.
- Implant Placement: The implant placement involves a surgical procedure where the dental implant is inserted into the jawbone. Local anaesthesia is used to ensure a comfortable experience. Over time, the implant fuses with the bone through a process called osseointegration, providing a solid foundation for the replacement tooth.
- Healing and Osseointegration: After the implant placement, a healing period of several months is usually necessary to allow for osseointegration. During this time, the implant integrates with the surrounding bone, ensuring stability and durability.
- Attaching the Prosthesis: Once the implant has bonded with the bone, an abutment is placed on top of it. The abutment serves as a connector between the implant and the replacement tooth. Finally, a custom-made dental crown, bridge, or denture is attached to the abutment, restoring your smile to its natural beauty.
Care and Maintenance
To ensure the longevity of your dental implants singapore, proper care and maintenance are crucial. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups are essential to keep your implants and surrounding teeth healthy. Your dentist will provide specific instructions tailored to your oral hygiene routine.