What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of titanium that are surgically placed in the jawbone to support replacement teeth. These implants provide a sturdy foundation for both permanent and removable teeth, helping restore your smile and chewing ability.
Advantages of Dental Implants Over Other Options
Dental implants are a durable and long-lasting solution for missing teeth. Unlike other options like dentures or bridges, implants provide a permanent and secure fit in your mouth. They help maintain bone structure and prevent further tooth loss. Implants (and the crowns or prostheses fitted on top of them )also look and function like natural teeth, giving you a confident and perfect smile.
Are Dental Implants Suitable for Everyone?
Dental implants might not be suitable for everyone. Factors like jawbone strength, height, width and density, overall health, and oral hygiene play a big part in determining if you are a good candidate for dental implants. If you have had teeth missing for a long time, this may affect your ability to have implants. Your dentist at HB Dental Clinic Antalya will need to assess your specific situation to decide if dental implants are the right choice for you.
Long-term Benefits of Choosing Dental Implants
Dental implants are a long-lasting solution for missing teeth. They can improve your smile, restore your ability to chew properly, and maintain the structure of your jawbone. Here are some long-term benefits of choosing dental implants:
- Dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care.
- They are a durable and permanent solution for missing teeth.
- Implants help prevent bone loss in the jaw, maintaining facial structure.
- Unlike dentures, implants do not need to be removed for cleaning, making them convenient for daily use.
How Dental Implants Enhance Your Smile
The dental implants (and crowns or prostheses) will replace missing teeth and give you a natural-looking smile. They fuse with your jawbone, providing stability for crowns or dentures. Implants improve your smile by:
- Restoring your ability to chew and speak
- Preventing bone loss in your jaw
- Avoiding shifting of surrounding teeth
- Offering long-term durability
- Enhancing facial features by maintaining the structure of your jaw
Types of Dental Implants
Dental implants are often made of titanium or zirconia. Titanium implants are the most common type and are known for their durability and ability to integrate well with the jawbone. Zirconia implants are a newer option and are preferred by some for their natural look. Both types have their benefits, so discussing with your dentist can help decide which is best for you.
The Process of Getting Dental Implants
Getting dental implants involves several steps. Firstly, HB Dental Clinic team will examine your jawbone and dental structure to determine if you are a suitable candidate. If you are deemed eligible, the implant will be surgically placed into your jawbone. Over a few months, the implant will fuse with the bone in a process called osseointegration. Once this is complete, an abutment is attached to the implant, and then the artificial tooth is placed on the abutment. This process ensures a secure and natural-looking replacement tooth that can last a lifetime with proper care.
Aftercare for Dental Implants
After you get dental implants, it is crucial to take care of them properly to ensure they last a long time. Here are some essential aftercare tips to follow:
- Maintain good oral hygiene: Brush your teeth gently twice a day and floss regularly to keep your implants clean and free from plaque buildup.
- Visit your dentist regularly: Schedule regular check-ups with your dentist to monitor the condition of your implants and overall oral health.
- Avoid hard or chewy foods: Stay away from hard foods that can damage your implants. Opt for softer foods to prevent any strain on your implants.
- Quit smoking: Smoking can negatively impact the healing process of your implants. Consider quitting to promote better implant health.
- Protect your implants: If you participate in sports or activities where there is a risk of dental trauma, wear a mouthguard to protect your implants.
- Be cautious with dental tools: Avoid using dental tools, like toothpicks, that can damage your implants. Stick to softer methods of cleaning your teeth.
Risks and Considerations of Dental Implants
Dental implants have a success rate of about 95% and above. However, as with all procedures there are some risks and considerations to keep in mind including:
- Infection at the implant site (however our highly-skilled surgeons will NOT place implants in infected mouths and will clean out all infection and this will extend the healing period and may result in 3 visits to our clinic.)
- Damage to surrounding teeth or blood vessels (however our surgeons all work with our CBCT scans to avoid this)
- Nerve damage causing tingling or numbness
- Implant failure due to smoking or poor oral hygiene
Our team at HB Dental Clinic Antalya will discuss all of these in detail with you before and after your treatment. You will be given medication and advice to help avoid any unwanted side-effects.
