Everything You Need to Know About Dental Implants

According to the Centers for Disease Control, about 11% of adults ages 65 to 74 have lost all their teeth, and another 20% of adults ages 75 and up are missing all their teeth. Unfortunately, tooth loss can lead to low self-esteem, increased risk of serious health conditions, and a lower quality of life.

Before that happens, replace missing teeth with full-mouth dental implants. Choosing cosmetic dental surgery can restore your smile, functionality, and confidence.

What does this dental restoration option entail? Read on to learn more about dental implants today! 

Dental Implants in Miami

According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, about three million people currently have dental implants and the number is rapidly growing each year.

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are surgically fixed into your jawbone. They function as anchors to replace missing teeth. A dental crown or bridge will sit atop the implant to restore your smile.

Dental implants are made using titanium and other body-safe materials. After a process called osseointegration, they fuse with your living jawbone ensuring they remain stable as a permanent fixture in your mouth.

Unlike dentures, your dental implants won't slide when you speak or chew. Instead, they'll restore the functionality and appearance of your natural smile.

Ideal Patients

After losing a tooth, consult your dentist. They'll determine if you're an ideal candidate for dental implants in Miami.

During your consultation appointment, your dentist will assess your oral health and jawbone. They'll determine if you have enough jawbone volume to hold an implant. They'll also confirm that you don't have tooth decay or gum disease.

If you don't have enough jawbone volume, they may recommend other dental restoration options. Your dentist may determine that you require a bone grafting procedure before receiving dental implants. 

Sinus lift and bone grafting procedures can add volume to your jawbone. Either process will thicken your jawbone and encourage the regeneration of bone tissue. 

If you're not an ideal candidate for dental implants in Miami, your dentist may recommend other options like dentures. 

Dental Implant Options

There are two main types of dental implants. Endosteal implants are more commonly recommended.

An oral surgeon will drill your endosteal implants into your jawbone. If you don't have sufficient jawbone, however, your dentist may recommend subperiosteal implants instead. These implants are placed atop the bone but beneath the gum tissue.

An implant can anchor one or more teeth. Full-mouth dental implants are sometimes called all-on-4 dental implants. This describes an arch of teeth.

Full-mouth crown and bridge implants may include 12 to 16 implants. This could describe six to eight implants for your upper jaw and six to eight for your lower jaw. 

These dental implant options can provide a comprehensive solution if you've lost or need to replace multiple teeth. Your dentist can help you determine which option best suits your needs.

Benefits of Cosmetic Dental Surgery

Before your dental restoration procedure, talk to your dentist about the pros and cons of choosing dental implants over other options. Here are a few reasons implants outshine other procedures.

Durability

Dental implants offer more durability and longevity than fixed partial dentures. This treatment option has a high success rate (over 97% for 10 years).

As the gold standard for tooth replacement, dental implants are designed to last longer than alternative treatments. About 94% of implants last 15 years. In comparison, dental bridges require replacement every five to 15 years.

You won't need to return to the dentist to have your dental implant replaced constantly. However, you may need to replace the dental crown if you neglect to prioritize your oral health. 

Improved Oral Health

After losing a tooth, you may notice it's more difficult to brush and floss. Food particles and bacteria will have more space to hide, leading to plaque formation. Plaque can increase your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. 

Replacing a lost tooth can protect your oral health. You'll have an easier time brushing and flossing, allowing you to avoid decay and gingivitis. 

Avoid Bone Loss

Your remaining teeth may shift toward the gap left behind by a missing tooth. This can cause changes to your bite or appearance. 

Your jawbone won't receive the stimulation it needs if there's a gap in your smile. Your body may break down and reabsorb the bone tissue, causing deterioration. This can cause physical changes to your facial structure, including:

• Sagging skin
• Collapsed cheeks
• Wrinkles
• Sunken appearance

These changes to your appearance may affect your self-confidence. Before that happens, talk to your dentist about dental implants. Surgically placing the implant into your jawbone can reduce your risk of bone deterioration. 

Natural Look and Feel

A crown will sit atop your dental implant to restore the appearance and functionality of your smile. The tooth will match the color of your existing teeth to ensure it looks natural.

Replacing a lost tooth with an implant can make chewing and speaking easier.The implant will restore your bite force, allowing you to maintain a healthy diet. Without it, you may struggle to eat certain foods, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies.

The Dental Restoration Procedure

During a dental restoration procedure, your dentist will make an incision in your gums. They'll surgically place the dental implants (which look like screws) into your jawbone.

Osseointegration can take several months. During this time, you'll need to stick to a soft food diet as you heal.

Once the area heals, your dentist will place custom-made dental crowns over the implants. This entire process may take six to 12 months. Consult your dentist for a more accurate timeline.

Request Full-Mouth Dental Implants

To recap, what are full-mouth dental implants? They're dental restorations that are surgically placed into your jawbone to restore your smile. This procedure can replace missing teeth, helping you avoid future oral health issues.

Our team at the practice of Dr. Rosado & Associates specializes in implant and cosmetic dentistry. We can help you discover a beautiful, confident, healthy smile.

Trust our advanced technology, comprehensive treatments, and personalized care. Contact us now to schedule your dental restoration procedure.