According to the American College of Prosthodontists, 36 million people in the U.S have no teeth at all, while 120 million of its citizens are missing a tooth or two. Although there are various teeth replacement methods, such as dentures, they all have their downsides. For instance, the dentures themselves can be challenging to put on, thus making it difficult for the wearer to chew or talk. Luckily, oral experts were able to develop implant dentistry, which brought a change in how lost teeth issues were formerly addressed.

If you currently have partial or full dentures or have lost one or several teeth, we atMercer Smiles – a family dentistry clinic in Hamilton can replace your teeth with dental implants. An implant procedure will leave you with artificial teeth that function and look like your original natural teeth.

What Are Implants?

Teeth implants can be described as artificial structures inserted into the human jawbone by an oral surgeon to replace missing teeth. These screw-like devices anchor artificial teeth known as dental crowns and also connect the crowns to the implants. The crowns fitted onto the implants are custom-made so that they perfectly fit into the patient’s mouth, and they are given a color that matches with the patient’s remaining teeth to make them look more natural.

When you look at the pros and cons of dentures and implants, you will notice that using dental implants comes with far more benefits than the latter. Some of these benefits are:

  • The success rate of implants procedures is higher
  • Dental implants decrease the sensitivity of nearby teeth
  • People who have tried both methods admit that they found implants to be more comfortable and natural
  • You don’thave to take them out every night for cleaning
  • The use of implants lowers the risk of developing cavities in the neighboring teeth

Who Qualifies to Have Dental Implants?

According to most dental surgeons’ people with the following problems are not fit for undergoing implant placement surgery unless their issues are resolved:

  • Acute illness
  • Soft tissue or bone infection/disease
  • HIV
  • Osteoporosis
  • Diabetes
  • AIDS
  • Parafunctional habits like tooth clenching or grinding
  • Psychiatric or behavioral disorders
  • Uncontrollable metabolic illness

If an individual with any of the conditions mentioned above undergoes the implant surgery, chances are the implant will fail. Also, dental experts may decide not to perform the surgery on people undergoing radiation and chemotherapy treatment as they are at a higher risk of suffering implant complications.

Dental implants can be of use to those who:

  • Are missing a tooth or several of them
  • Do not suffer from medical conditions that can hinder bone healing
  • Are ready to commit their time and energy to this restorative process
  • Have enough bone tissue to secure their implants safely
  • Are not able or willing to have dentures
  • Uphold excellent dental hygiene practices and make regular visits to their dentist. This will be necessary for the long-term health and success of dental implants.

An Overview of Tooth Implant Surgery

Tooth implant surgery refers to the procedure conducted by an oral surgeon or a dentist near you to replace a tooth’s root with metallic screw-like posts. This procedure is considered as an alternative to bridgework or dentures that don’t fit properly. How this surgery will be performed at our implant dentistry in Hamilton will depend on the patient’s jawbone condition and the kind of dental implant they want.

During this treatment process, a dental implant will be placed surgically into the patient’s jawbone,acting as a root for the missing tooth. Once the titanium cylinders are in position, the dental practitioner will then mount an artificial tooth replacement (a crown) onto it. Titanium is best preferred because it cannot decay and because of its ability to fuse with the jawbone, thus ensuring that the implant does not slip or damage the bone.

The Risks of an Implant Surgery

Like all other surgeries performed in medicine, implant surgery alsohas some health hazards. Some of the risks associated with this restorative procedure include:

  • Sinus problems
  • Nerve damage leading to pain or numbness in the gums, teeth, chin, or lips
  • Damage or injury to the surrounding oral structures like blood vessels or other teeth
  • Risk of an infection

The chances of developing a problem are low, and even if they occur, they can be easily treated.

‍