Advantages and Disadvantages of Dental Implants

Dental implants are a substitute for missing teeth. They are an ideal solution for candidates who want to replace their missing teeth. If you are planning for dental implant surgery, then it is important that you know the advantages and disadvantages of it, so that it helps you in making an informed decision.

Advantages of dental implants

• Dental implants provide support for crowns, bridges and dentures by reducing the load placed on the remaining teeth.
• They prevent the surrounding natural teeth from getting damaged. It avoids the need to cut down or remove the surrounding teeth.
• As the missing teeth is removed, dental implants preserve jaw bone and reduce the reduction of bone height.
• Unlike other methods, dental implants last for many years.
• Stability of dentures can be provided by dental implants as it does not have a  need to wear denture adhesive.
• Dental implants allows the candidate to speak, chew and eat as before.
• It improves hygiene condition.
• Less decay risks can be seen in dental implants.
• Cold sensitivity can be decreased in dental implantation
• Dental implants are cosmetically esthetic and resemble natural teeth.
• It maintains bone in site and it will be fixed in the bone as it is fully covered with flaps of gingival tissue.
• Dental implants have the ability to bond to living bone tissue so it looks like a natural teeth.

Disadvantages of dental implants

• Poor muscular coordination can be seen in dental implants.
• Dental implants require greater financial investment compared to other dental replacement methods.
• Implants take more time for healing.
• It requires minor surgery to insert the implant in the bone
• As the implants have lack of shock absorbers, fractures of crowns and bridgework are more common in dental implants.
• As they do not have any nerve contact, implants may feel 'dead'.
• Implants can also suffer from gum disease if patients have any untreated gum problems or there has been no implant maintenance.
• Implants should be properly maintained by the patient or occasionally by the dentist otherwise dental risks like tooth decay, gum bleeding may arise.
• Patients require treatment for long time for bone healing
• Dental implants are not suitable for all patients. It is possible in patients have enough jaw bone.
• Food intake is decreased as the food selection is limited after the dental implantation.
• Bite force is decreased from 200psi to 50psi after the surgery

Therefore, carefully consider the above advantages and disadvantages of dental implants when deciding whether it is right for you or not.

Get to Know Different Types of Dental Implants

Dental implants are meant to replace missing teeth. They are likely to improve the user's appearance and speech. Many Implants are made of titanium, as titanium has ability to integrate with jaw bone effectively. In this article we will discuss three types of dental implants.

Different types of dental implants are:

1. Subperiosteal dental implant
This type of dental implant is used in patients who have little space in bone. These implants are placed not inside the bone but are on top of the bone. There are two sorts of surgeries involved in this process.

During the first surgery, an incision is made in the jawbone for the implant to fix in. And, the follow-up surgery involves opening of jaw bone again, and a metal frame is fitted on it. After the healing of gums, implant is then attached to the jaw, following taking impression of teeth for new crown.

2. Transosteal dental implants
This type of dental implants are rarely used by dentist today. These are u-shaped, and in this process, the entire jawline is drilled. It also requires opening of the skin under the chin.
This implant has screws that are inserted in the jaw bone. The screws make a way through the entire jaw bone and appear under the chin. Then, a pressure plate and nut are attached to keep them secure.

3. Endosseous dental implant
This type of dental implant is expensive, and are frequently used by doctors. An endosseous dental implant looks like a screw with smooth or hard surface. The procedure for this implant also involves two surgeries.

It is done under local or general anesthesia. An incision is made where the implant has to be placed. The jaw bone is drilled to make space. Then, the implant is screwed either manually or with the help of the implant drill. The second component of the implant is screwed in to the implant, and will be there during the healing period. One or two stitches are done to close the gums, after which they are left for healing.

The following surgery involves an incision to reopen the gums to make an extension to the implant so that the new crown sits on it. After this surgery, healing takes time. When your gums are totally healed your surgeon will call you for taking impression of teeth, after the placement of dental crown.

Conclusion
The type of the dental implant is suggested by the surgeon depending on your condition of gums and your health. Discuss with them the pros and cons before making you decide to go for dental implant procedure.

Foods that Aid in Healthy Teeth

Assuring the health of your teeth is not just limited to regular brushing and cleaning. Nutritional diet also enables to keep your teeth strong and healthy. Most of the times we often hear about the foods that have to be avoided to maintain dental health. Now, let's know about the foods that aid in healthy teeth. Fruits, vegetables, protein-rich animal foods, and dairy products are some of the healthy foods for your teeth.

Fruits such as apples, citrus fruits, strawberries, and special kiwis, that are rich in Vitamin C are good to improve gum health. Vitamin C helps to hold cells together and so, with its deficiency, the gums become tender and prone to bacterial infections. Vegetables including pumpkins, sweet potato, carrots, and broccoli, having high amounts of vitamin A, are healthy foods for teeth as the vitamin is essential for formation of tooth enamel. Also, onions that are rich in powerful anti-bacterial sulphur compounds are effective in maintaining dental health as these compounds kill the bacteria that harm your teeth and gums. Having raw fruits and onions is beneficial for dental health.

Protein-rich animal foods including beef, chicken, eggs and turkey are rich in phosphorus. This element, in combination with calcium and vitamin D, produces teeth and bones. So, ensure that you include these foods in your diet. Dairy products are the most considerable healthy foods for dental health. Milk is rich in calcium and, therefore, maintains the strength of bones and teeth. Dairy foods like yoghurt can be included as a healthy snack. They are low in acidity and sugar and hence, can avoid tooth erosion and tooth decay. Apart from these, green tea, celery, and foods with sesame seeds also maintain your dental health. So, be sure to include these items in your diet and have healthy teeth.