Up to 31.1% of hockey players have suffered an oral injury. It's one of the hazards of Canada's favourite sport.
Dental problems extend beyond the rink. Four million working days are lost due to dental sickness and appointments every year. 1% of emergency room visits are for dental emergencies.
Dental implants are an excellent solution for missing teeth. They're always an emergency, but implants can fill the space permanently.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about dental implants.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a common option to replace decaying, damaged, or missing teeth. They're metal anchors, made out of titanium that get implanted into the jaw that look like a small artificial root
The Dental Implant Procedure
The process begins with an initial consultation. The dentist will walk you through all your options for replacement teeth.
The next step is a clinical assessment to create a treatment plan. It may involve:
X-rays
Moulds
CBCT scans
Bone grafts
Sinus lifts
You'll be under local anesthesia or IV sedation during the procedure. The dentist opens up the gum and drills a small hole into your jaw, inserts the implant with a small interim healing cap on it and stitches it closed around the cap.
A permanent replacement tooth or abutment and crown will be screwed into the implant once it has healed for 8-12 weeks. The crown colour will be matched to the shape and colour of your existing teeth.
There are reasons you may not be a candidate for dental implant surgery. The primary one is severe bone loss in your jaw.
Dental Implant Benefits
Dental implants are a natural-looking solution. They feel and work like natural teeth, letting you eat your favourite foods and smile with confidence again.
Implants have a 97% success rate and last over ten years. This means being amongst the 72% of Canadians who brush twice a day. Following the 25% who floss is even more important because it removes hidden plaque.
Dental Implants vs. Other Methods
Dental implants have several benefits but aren't the only way to replace or repair teeth. A dentist should explain the risks and benefits of each option.
One alternative is dental bridges. They cover a gap where one or more teeth are missing and attach it to adjacent teeth. They can be made of:
Porcelain
Metal
Plastic
Alloys
A bridge has a slightly lower upfront cost and in some cases they are is more likely to be covered by insurance. Generally both implants and bridges are rarely covered by insurance 100%, only partially. Bridges affect and rely on the adjacent teeth so are not always an ideal option and can only be done when the missing tooth is between other teeth. It takes several appointments, but you'll heal in a few weeks.
Dental implants require a longer procedure. Bridges will usually last for about ten years, so they can need to be replaced with time.
Dentures are another replacement option but can become loose over time and only last 5-7 years. Implants can be a more permanent solution and feel more like natural teeth.
Where to Get Dental Implants
Dental implants can be a great way to fill in the gaps created by missing teeth. They can be a more natural feeling way to replace missing teeth vs bridges or dentures.
Go to a dentist for an initial consultation to determine if you're a candidate. The procedure's done under anesthesia, and you'll go back to your normal routine in a few weeks.
Book an appointment at Galleria Dental Care today.