Are dental implants really a good option for replacing missing teeth?
Dental implants are artificial replacements for tooth roots. Made of titanium, they provide the anchoring foundation for replacement teeth, which may be a crown for a single tooth or a bridge for multiple teeth. These new teeth are made to match your natural teeth and most people can’t tell the difference.
If you already have one or more implants, you know what a difference they can make. This is true not only because you can again eat normally but also because of the difference it makes in your ability to smile and feel good about how you look. What you may not know, however, is that you have a Swedish research physician, Dr. Per-Ingvar Branemark, to thank.
In the early 1950s, Dr. Branemark placed probes in the legs of rabbits while performing a study about the healing process. These probes were encased in titanium, which was known for its strength and lack of toxicity. When it came time to remove the probes, it was discovered that the titanium had fused with the bone and could not be removed. Dr. Branemark named this fusion “osseointegration” and recognized its potential for anchoring artificial teeth. Today, this process is used not only for dental implants but also as an alternative way of attaching prosthetics for amputees.
Are Dental Implants Right for You?
Have you been considering dental implants? Everyone’s situation is different and you must make the decision based on what’s right for you. That said, there are a lot of benefits associated with implants. Some of those include:
- The success rate for dental implants is around 98%
- The process for getting implants is not as painful as you might expect and is generally described as less than that of a tooth extraction
- Appearance is high on everyone’s list and implants look as good as your natural teeth, if not better, leading to you smiling more and feeling increased confidence in your interactions with others
- Taking care of implants is exactly the same as your normal dental hygiene practices for your natural teeth
- Unlike having dentures, there is no danger of movement with implants or any of the associated speech issues
- Once the process is complete, the implant is now a part of you, eliminating the need and discomfort of having to ever remove it for any reason
- No more worrying about what you can or cannot bite into, making all of your favorite foods back on the list for you to enjoy
- Another advantage of implants over dentures is not having to have any special cleaning solutions or adhesives
- Dental implants, with proper care, can last a lifetime
Dental implants can literally be life-changing and the good news is that the option is available for most people who are healthy enough for having other types of dental work, like tooth extraction or oral surgery. There are certain health issues and behaviors that may require individual evaluation, such as having heart disease, being diabetic, or a heavy smoker. These should be discussed with your dentist.
If you have questions about implants or any of our services, whether dentistry or aesthetics, Cohen Dental Care is dedicated to delivering the highest quality services possible. We offer the latest and most current information and services to our patients with a new state-of-the-art facility in Great Neck and Briarwood.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, you are invited to use our online form by clicking here.