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Missing teeth are a dental problem because they cause the teeth to shift and weaken the structure. Furthermore, the alveolar bone (supports the teeth) starts to dissolve and further damages and weakens your teeth.

It is reported that people with missing teeth lose 12 percent of bone within the first year. Replacing these teeth, therefore, can help to preserve the bone and maintain proper health. We have different dental restorations that can help close these gaps, such as dental implants, preserving your bone.

What Are Teeth Implants?

Implants are metal screws that are fixed on the jaw to anchor the artificial teeth. Several options are available and are used based on the number of missing teeth and bone density.

• Endosteal Implants are the conventional option commonly used if you have one or two dental implants and enough jaw bone. Our dentist in Surrey will fix the implants on the jaw.
• Subperiosteal implants are similar to the endosteal ones, only that they are fixed above the jaw. These implants are a perfect option if you have insufficient bone support and do not want a bone graft.
• Mini dental implants are small in size than the conventional ones. They are ideal for front teeth or to attach the dentures.
• All-on-4-implants are fixed on both the upper and lower jaw to anchor the dentures. They are perfect if you have multiple teeth missing.

What is Better Between Implant and Bridges?

Both the implants and bridges are used to replace the missing teeth. However, they are fixed differently. Bridges use the adjacent teeth to the gap as support. These teeth are trimmed out to make room for the crowns. The bridges can last between ten and 15 years with proper care.

Dental implants require a surgical procedure to be fixed. You need to, however, have enough jaw bone for the implants to be anchored properly. Implants last for 25 years or more with care.

One benefit of implants is that it preserves your jaw and keep your dental structure strong.

Before you get dental implants near you, it is crucial to speak to the dentist about the benefits of both and other dental restorations available.

How Are the Implants Fixed?

Dental implants in Surrey, BC need at least three dental visits to be fixed:

• First dental visit

The first dental visit of your dental implant is usually the longest. The dentist will examine your teeth and perform professional dental cleaning. Next, the bone density is assessed, and if you have an insufficient one, bone augmentation is done.

We will map out your dental treatment, and discuss the procedure and any risks involved. Next, the dentist will fix the implant based on the type of implant needed.

It takes three months or more for the implant and natural bone to fuse. This process must be successful before the dentist can proceed to the next step.

Please note: if a bone graft is done, it may lengthen the process by 12 months.

• Second dental visit

The dentist will fix the abutment after the gum heals. This connects the implants and crowns. At times, the dentist may fix the connector on the same day as the implants.

• Third visit

This is when the dentist will either fix the dental crown. The crowns can either be fixed or removable based on your preference.

What Are the Problems of Implants?

Dental implants are successful and long-lasting. At times, however, the implants may fail because of certain factors such as:

• Nerve damage and bruising
• Body rejection of the dental implant because of the failed osseointegration process (fusing of the implants and bone)
• Improper fixing of the dental crowns
• Significant bone loss

Will My Diet and Lifestyle Change?

Not at all as the implants resemble your teeth in appearance. However, in the first week, you will need to take a soft diet o to promote gum healing. Do not skip your meals as good nutrition helps in gum healing.

Schedule an Appointment

Visit Newton Dental Group for more information on dental implants and how they can benefit you.