Dentists begin teeth implants by surgically inserting an anchor rod, usually made of titanium, into the patient's jaw. Afterward, the patient must wait up to 6 months while the bone grows around this anchor. A titanium post is then added with a metal prosthesis, covered by a ceramic crown. Implants can replace any number of teeth, and are permanent.
Function
Dental implants provide an excellent cosmetic advantage over dentures because they look like real teeth. People often obtain implants to replace teeth that were in poor condition, which makes them look more attractive and younger. Dental implants prevent the bone deterioration and gum recession that usually occur when people are missing teeth, preventing the caved-in look that their mouths can take on over time. Implants also can support bridges where there are no natural teeth.
Significance
Teeth implants almost always are much more comfortable than dentures and removable bridges, which can be loose and unstable. Denture wearers often must endure slipping, clicking and even the dentures falling out. Sometimes a full denture can be so uncomfortable that the person avoids wearing it. Denture wearers can also have problems eating sticky foods like caramel, and foods that require strong bites, like corn on the cob.
Considerations
Obtaining teeth implants requires surgery, which can cause complications. Some people have lingering pain from slow healing, which can take several weeks to clear up. In these cases, dentists may prescribe analgesics. Much less commonly, the surgery can result in a sinus infection or an infection of the gums or jawbone. Dentists prescribe antibiotics and painkillers for these conditions.
Warning
More serious problems result when the pain is caused by the anchor post being too close to a nerve or compressing the bone. In these cases, dentists usually must remove the anchor and re-insert it later, although sometimes a person's jaw structure cannot support the posts without pain. The dentist sometimes nicks a nerve, which can cause pain and numbness. The pain typically disappears in a short time, but numbness may last for several months or even be permanent. Very rarely, a person may be allergic to titanium and must have the posts removed. An individual considering dental implants should research dentists to make sure their success rate is nearly 100 percent.
Prevention/Solution
People with dental implants must perform methodical cleaning to avoid inflammation or infection; the gum does not fit as tightly around implants as it does around natural teeth, so food particles can cause problems. Usually, a person with implants needs to see a dentist several times a year for cleanings. However, this still is typically considered more convenient than dealing with dentures or partial dentures, which are taken out and soaked at night.
Expert Insight
Teeth implants are much more expensive than dentures. As of 2008, depending on a person's dental situation and geographical location, implants can run from $850 to $3,500 per tooth; that does not even include the crowns, which are usually over $1,500 each. In contrast, a mid-range quality set of upper or lower dentures costs around $1,000.
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