After one has lost their tooth, dental implants can be considered life-changing as they can make your smile as good as new and restore your ability to chew properly. The invention of implants has brought modern dentistry to a new level because it offers an excellent alternative to dentures and bridges. While they are mainly for adults, knowledge about implants is useful for everyone including families looking for children’s dentists in Houston.
What are Dental Implants
An implant is made of titanium and it is surgically placed into the jawbone. It mimics a tooth’s root and a specific process is followed for placing the implant where it fuses with the bone over time. Cosmetic dentists and oral surgeons often use dental implants to restore function, health and confidence by closely imitating natural teeth.
Components of a Dental Implant
Implant Post
This is the titanium screw that serves as the tooth root and is placed within the jawbone.
Abutment
An attachment to the implant post is the abutment, which, if need be, is removable.
Prosthetic Tooth
All the visible restorations including a crown, bridge or denture that is placed on the abutment.
These elements combine to yield a prosthesis that has both functionality and desirable dental esthetics.
Who Are Dental Implants For?
Implants are mostly advised for patients above the age of 18 and below the age of 70 who have lost teeth because of the following reasons:
- Trauma or injury
- Advanced caries
- Periodontal disease
- Loss of teeth because of old age
In case of children, dental implants can only be thought of as a possible solution in the future as their jawbones are not fully developed yet. However, for instances in which a child has lost a permanent tooth, a children’s dentist in Houston may use placeholders or temporary dentures for that child until they have reached the age where the jaws are fully developed and a full dental implant can be conducted.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants have several advantages when compared to other prosthetics such as;
Durability
Implants requiring proper care if this has been received, will last a lifetime as opposed to dentures or bridges which may need replacement every so often.
Natural Look and Feel
Implants are designed to look like real teeth so no one will notice they’ve been placed.
Bone Health Preservation
By placing the implants in the jaw bone, natural bone resorption is caused by jaw movements that occur during chewing which helps in bone health.
Improved Oral Function
Implants allow normal oral and facial biomechanics, eliminating the need of removable dentures.
Convenience
There is no complex caring that comes with dentures, so daily oral hygiene is not complicated.
The Dental Implant Procedure Stages
The prosthetic dental implant procedure consists of multiple processes, which normally take place over several months. Here’s what to expect:
Consultation and Assessment
The dentist thoroughly examines the oral cavity, bone quantity and quality, and other medical factors that could influence the procedure. For children, children’s dentists in Houston may provide an interim solution for the loss of teeth and a treatment plan for future implants to be inserted once the skeletal system has matured.
Implant Placement Surgery
A titanium post is embedded surgically into the jawbone in a dental surgery by the dentist. It is usually done via local or general anesthesia ensuring painless experience.
Healing and Osseointegration
This implant phase is essential since it refers to the time when the implant and jawbone fuses together and lasts 3 to 6 months. This process is very important because it guarantees stability of the implant within the jaw for a prolonged period.
Placement of an Abutment
The post is usually exposed through the gum tissue and the abutment is placed after completely bone-integrating the implant into the jawbone.
Crown or Prosthetic Attachment
A protruding abutment is finally covered by a crown, bridge, or dentures that were made for the patient. The restoration is complete and normal oral activities are restored.
How to Care for Dental Implants
Dental implants have permanent placement to their longevity and functionality. It is essential to observe the following precautions:
- Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and toothpaste that contains fluoride to brush your teeth twice daily.
- Floss around the implant as well as use the interdental for further cleaning.
- Habits like ice chewing and biting hard materials causing a soft tissue injury should be minimized.
- Try to make regular visits to your dentist for routine examination and professional cleaning.
It is necessary to promote best oral hygiene practices early among children to avoid loss of teeth and create a healthy base on which the permanent teeth will grow.
Dental Implant Alternatives
Where a dental implant cannot be used, missing teeth can be replaced by:
Dentures
These removable prostheses are especially useful for cases of multiple tooth loss as they are economical.
Dental Bridges
These are fixed prostheses which depend on other teeth for their anchorage.
Space Maintainers for Children
These devices keep the place of a tooth that is lost so that other teeth do not move out of position.
Families engaging with children can be assisted by a children’s dentist in Houston as they offer useful suggestions on the best children’s alternatives with respect to the child’s needs and future oral well being.
Pediatric Dentistry’s Role in Preventing Tooth Loss
While dental implants are a reliable solution for missing teeth, efforts should be made from the beginning to avoid such situations. Pediatric dentists are instrumental in helping achieve optimum oral health in children by:
- Making it a practice to clean one’s teeth to prevent the occurrence of cavities and gingivitis disease.
- Application of sealants and fluoride treatment to strengthen the teeth and avoid occurrence of caries.
- Management of development of jaw and teeth to the extent of reducing related issues with alignment of the teeth to the minimum.
- Inform families on modern brushing and flossing.
The child’s teeth will last longer if the child sees a pediatric dentist early on, and this will help set up the right habits to last a lifetime.
A Lifelong Gift Of Smiles
Dental implants are revolutionary in nature and serve as excellent replacements for lost teeth, as they are aesthetically appealing and functionally rigid. Even though these are meant for adult patients, parents who have dental concerns regarding their child can contact a children’s dentist in Houston for professional assistance.
