Soong-Ryong Jung (David) , DDS, MS, PhD
What you Need to Know about Dental Implants

What you Need to Know about Dental Implants
Millions of Americans suffer from tooth decay, whether it comes from blunt force trauma, tooth decay, or periodontal disease. These problems have existed throughout the history of man as well as a variety of ways in which we have dealt with it through the centuries. Today, we have a variety of options, including dental implants, veneers, made with a variety of longer-lasting materials. But what sort of options do you need to know about before making your decision? What are some of the things that require looking into before making a decision about implants? Let's look at some basic things that a customer might need to know before deciding to get some dental implants in Plano,Texas.
What is a Dental Implant?
Unlike veneers or retainers, where there is a partial cover, or are removable, dental implants are essentially titanium screws that can replace the damaged root of a tooth. A more sufficient definition of a titanium implant is," A titanium post that simulates the root of a natural tooth. It can support a crown, bridge or overdenture (a denture secured to implants). "
Typically, a dental implant is capped off with a crown made of composite materials that have the same appearance or hardness of a tooth. There are a variety of dental implants in Plano, Texas and elsewhere, that depend on the specific situation you might be dealing with.
Advantages of Dental Implants over Missing Teeth
According to Web M.D. the advantages to dental implants include:
· Improved appearance. Dental implants look and feel like your own teeth. They are also permanent.
· Improved speech. Dental implants allow you to speak without the worry that teeth might slip.
· Improved comfort. Implants eliminate the discomfort of removable dentures.
· Easier eating. Sliding dentures can make chewing difficult. Dental implants are affixed to your teeth, so there is less difficulty.
· Improved self-esteem. Dental implants can give you back your smile and help you feel better about yourself.
· Improved oral health. Dental implants don't require drastic alteration between teeth, but there is more space for getting easier cleaning access.
· Durability. Implants have durable materials and are long-lasting on their own. With good care, many implants last a lifetime.
· Convenience. Dental implants eliminate the embarrassing inconvenience of removing dentures, as well as the hassle of adhesives or glues.
Types of Dental Implants
The types of dental implants range according to the severity of the condition or how much needs fixing.
The type of implants include:
Immediate Load Dental Implant
This type of implant is ideal for when there is simply a missing tooth. If the jawbone is mostly intact, and you simply need a tooth replacement, this would probably be what most dentists would recommend. This is a same-day process and is an easy fix for most dentists. This is mainly because all that is required is the placement of a titanium socket and a temporary tooth screwed in it. The jawbone would heal around it and it will, for all intents and purposes function like a regular tooth.
Full Arch Dental Implant
If there is a more severe issue, such as several teeth missing from a single spot in a row, there is a good chance that the specialist might recommend a full arch dental implant. In a full arch dental implant, several titanium sockets and screws are put in place along the gumline, still attached to an intact jawbone.
These implants are a good substitute for bone grafting if there is no need for it. Special titanium screws and sockets are put in place. This way, a temporary set of replacement teeth can screw in the same day. Because there is more surgical trauma to the area, it will take longer for your jaw to heal.
You follow a modified diet while the gum tissues heal and the implants bond with your natural bone. After about four to six months, the permanent replacement teeth will be placed, and you can resume a regular diet.
Other Implants
One type of implant works in tandem with dentures and temporary dentures. The implants serve as an anchor for overdentures, and other types of dentures and is more stable than the old fashioned version of dentures. However, a lot of patients choose this option over a full arch dental implant because of cost concerns. The results compared to a full arch treatment vary from lackluster to uncomfortable, depending on how cheap they choose to go. It is an instance of "getting what you pay for".