Οδοντικά εμφυτεύματα are a very popular procedure in the dental field. During this procedure, the dentist will replace the missing tooth structure with metal screws and place them into your jawbone. People go for this procedure because it provides the natural look and function of real teeth. When the loss of natural tooth roots prevents the construction of dentures or bridgework tooth replacements, dental implant surgery might be the right solution for you. There are several types of implants and they will depend on your jawbone and the condition of your teeth and gums. These types of procedures will take some time and there may be more than two, depending on your specific case. Several benefits come with dental implants and in this blog post, we will talk in detail about some of them, to make it easier for you to understand. 

Dental implants look like natural teeth

When it comes to replacing a lost tooth, dental implants are the best option. Yes, they will feel and look just like your natural teeth if that’s what’s on your mind. Among the many advantages of this process, this is the main reason it has become the most popular choice for dental restorations. During the dental implant procedure the dentist will place the implant inside your jaw bone and will wait for it to integrate fully, to maintain the durability of the natural tooth. The dentist will create the prosthetic crown with porcelain, and he will try to match it with the color of the other nearby teeth, or he may advise you to do some whitening sessions beforehand. Also, the sheen that porcelain provides is similar to the tooth enamel. The porcelain crown will also be precisely sculpted to fit the contour of the missing tooth, in addition to other benefits. 

After the procedure is done, it will be impossible for others to tell if you have had anything done, even if it is your front teeth. The new tooth will function and feel just like the natural one. You can eat and chew just like you did before because the implant is strong and durable. The patient will notice a difference in strength even if others might not be able to, especially if they have tried other choices like dentures or dental bridges. When dentures are uncomfortable or appear strange, speech and eating habits often alter, so the dentist may need to make other changes. 

They feel like natural teeth

The closest technique to a natural tooth’s feel is a dental implant, however since the material is artificial, you won’t feel anything, and whatever sensation you do get will originate from the tissues around the implant. It may not feel 100% like your natural teeth, since they have nerves that make them feel sensations like temperature and pressure, while the implant doesn’t. Despite this distinction, when your dental implant has healed, it will resemble and perform similarly to your original teeth, so you probably won’t notice a big difference, and if it is done in the right way you will get used to it very quickly. 

What do dental implants feel like when eating?

Since dental implants are mechanical devices placed among your natural teeth, you may assume that they would feel different when you eat, but this is untrue. They will feel just like your natural teeth once you get used to them. Dental implants are intended to be exceptionally sturdy, in contrast to a traditional denture that rests on the gum line. Their biting force is usually between 85 and 90 percent of natural teeth. You can see how simple it is to eat with dental implants when you contrast this with a traditional denture, which has between 30 and 40%. Because dental implants blend in with your normal bite once placed in the mouth, implant users are unlikely to experience any kind of change at all, so you don’t have to worry about it. 

Sadly, the same thing cannot be said for people who wear more traditional types of tooth replacement. Usually, the meals consumed must make up for the weakness in equipment like dentures. Because of this, people who wear dentures typically stick to foods that are easy to chew and avoid anything that is brittle, crunchy, or hard. This may restrict your food options, while dental implants will not. 

They are durable – often lasting a lifetime

The fact that dental implants are meant to be a permanent replacement for lost teeth is another great benefit of this treatment. As previously discussed, they will be affixed directly to the jaw bone, where the osseointegration process will take place. After this procedure is complete, the implant and the surrounding bone will have fused together, providing the implant the ability to operate as a root. This will serve as the support system for the replacement tooth. The dental implant itself will last a lifetime, but because of normal wear and tear, the crown that will be put on top of it could need to be replaced. That being said, you should be aware that crowns may endure up to 20 years with proper maintenance. 

What factors can influence whether a dental implant will fail?

Even though the dental implant is made to last all your life, there are some factors that can affect its longevity and in some cases, they can even fail. This error usually happens during the healing or the osseointegration process. Furthermore, we will explain some factors that can lead to this issue:

Insufficient care and maintenance

Even though the dental implant consists of artificial teeth, you should still take care of them like you usually do. If you don’t do so, plaque will build up and this can lead to gum disease that will affect both your gums and jaw bones. When this happens and the bacteria affects the area around the implant, dentists will call it a peri-implant disease. If the disease is in the early stages and still has not developed yet, it can be reversible by different methods, however, if you don’t treat it, the implant will fail. So continue to practice good oral hygiene even when you have an implant. Brush and floss your teeth twice a day, every day. If you eat foods that contain a lot of sugar try to limit it as much as you can. You should also keep visiting your dentist once in six months to check for any possible damage. 

Insufficient bone

Some patients suffer from bone loss due to several reasons like; peri-implant disease, osteoporosis, or other medical concerns that may impact their health. Before the implant is placed the dentist will do a thorough examination of your jawbone to check its quality and its ability to hold the implant. This can include X-rays and 3D modeling. 

Before installing an endosteal implant, the dentist may need to carry out treatments like bone grafting or sinus lifting if he determines that there is not enough bone in the area. This type of implant must stay securely fixed in your jaw. Because of this, if there is insufficient jawbone to adequately anchor an implant in place, it may fail.

Medical conditions

Before undergoing this treatment, you must ensure that all of your medical records are up to date. A number of medical conditions, including diabetes, osteoporosis, a weakened immune system, bleeding disorders, and cardiovascular disorders like high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, and congestive heart failure, can lead to dental implant failure. 

An inexperienced surgeon

Every dental procedure, especially dental implants, greatly benefit from the experience of the dental surgeon. An unqualified person doing the surgery will result in the implant malfunctioning. This may occur as a result of incorrect implant placement or inadequate design. If the dentist places the crown before the implant is stable or if the tissue is damaged in any way during the process, further problems may arise. 

When measured as a lifetime treatment, implants are cost-effective

Dental implants are affordable in the long term, even if they may initially appear pricey when compared to a lifetime of dental care. Some claim that because dentures and bridges are less expensive up front, they are a better option. On the other hand, implants offer long-term social and health advantages. Implants don’t require frequent cleaning or soaking like dentures do. Neither do they require large maintenance fees. Second, implants provide your jaw with a strong foundation and stop it from decaying. All these benefits make it worth their cost. 

Your quality of life will be improved

The quality of your life will not be impacted at all by your dental implants. They will not affect your normal activities like eating, speaking, or smiling because they will not shift or slip as removable options do. However, you should know that you still need to minimize sugar in your diet and keep a healthy lifestyle to keep your other teeth and implants healthy. 

They can prevent bone loss

Your jaw may lose bone mass if you lose teeth. The stimulation of the jawbone is crucial because it maintains the structure and connects it to the mass of the teeth. Without causing any bone loss, dental implants aid in the restoration of the jawbone’s stimulation. Additionally, dental implants protect gum health by lowering the risk of oral fractures and other issues that might compromise the health of the entire mouth. Since dental implants are the only option for replacing missing teeth that provide such comprehensive care, you can trust them to work wonders for your teeth.

They do not compromise the health of other teeth

Dental implants are much more durable and long-lasting than your real teeth since they cannot get cavities. A dental implant immediately attaches an artificial tooth to the jaw using a titanium root, producing a replacement tooth that is anatomically, cosmetically, and functionally equivalent to the original tooth. 

Unlike fixed bridges or dentures, dental implants do not harm the nearby healthy teeth or degrade the jawbone. Dental implants can last a lifetime if taken care of correctly. If you are in good oral health and your jawbone and gums are in good condition but you have lost teeth, you could be a candidate for dental implants.

Dental implants can replace any number of teeth

Dental implants do more than just restore a tooth’s apparent structure, they are an amazing way to replace lost teeth. They also serve as an excellent biting force and support the jawbone by replacing the tooth roots. But you might still be wondering if getting dental implants is necessary to replace every lost tooth because natural teeth have individual roots, and the answer is no. Now, let’s discuss the number of teeth that one, two, or more dental implants can replace.

One Dental Implant

Your dentist will insert one implant into the jawbone if you are missing just one tooth. A crown will be placed on your missing tooth to replace its crown once the implant has fused with the surrounding tissue. Two neighboring teeth can also be replaced with a single dental implant. Your dentist will affix a two-unit restoration to the implant once it has fused with the body. A crown will be one unit, and a prosthetic tooth linked to the crown will be the other unit.

Two Dental Implants

It could only take two dental implants to replace every tooth in a row if you are missing three or more of them. One implant can be placed at either end of the gap by your dentist. One to three points will be supported by the crowns between them, and the implants will support the crowns. Therefore, a maximum of five teeth can be replaced by two dental implants.

Four or More Dental Implants

It may be feasible to restore missing teeth with as little as four dental implants if you have lost every tooth in an arch. That is made feasible by a unique process called All-on-4. The implants are placed in the jaw at precise sites by a highly skilled dentist. In areas where the bone is naturally thick and robust, two are positioned towards the front of the mouth and two at an angle towards the rear. This accurate placement provides excellent support for the restoration that will be placed over the implants while enabling the placement operation to be as minimally intrusive as feasible.

They enhance self-esteem

Keeping your natural teeth for as long as you can is ideal but sometimes tooth loss can occur and it is inevitable. Losing teeth may have a big impact on your smile and face shape as a whole. In these cases, dental implants can restore your confidence and peace of mind when it comes to eating, speaking, and smiling after tooth loss. Long-term health advantages of dental implants are also present. Implants should endure for many years if proper maintenance is given to them and the bone they are placed in is strong, adequate, and in good condition. 

The process has a high success rate

Over 95% of dental implant procedures have demonstrated a very good success rate. However, you should be aware that the patient’s treatment and how well they manage it will also play a role in their success. To give our patients the greatest outcomes that will suit them the best, our talented dental specialists at Medical Tourism use state-of-the-art equipment and techniques. To learn more about the types of implants our clinic offers and how we may help you achieve a stunning, healthy smile, book a consultation at our clinic with one of our skilled specialists.