Oral health is essential to our overall well-being, and the loss of one or more teeth can have a significant impact on oral function and quality of life. In such situations, dental implants become an effective and long-term treatment option.

What are dental implants?

A dental implant is a dental surgery in which a screw or anchor made of titanium or other biocompatible materials is inserted into the jawbone or mandible to replace a lost tooth root. This implant serves as a solid base for fitting a dental crown, bridge or denture, thus providing a permanent and durable solution for replacing missing teeth. Dental implants restore oral functionality and smile aesthetics, contributing to improving patients’ quality of life.

Tooth loss and its consequences:

Losing one or more teeth can have many negative consequences for patients. These include:

• Chewing problems: Tooth loss affects the ability to chew and eat properly, which can lead to malnutrition and weight loss.
• Aesthetic changes: Missing teeth can affect facial appearance and smile, which can lead to lower self-confidence and psychological problems.
• Shifting of remaining teeth: Teeth neighbouring missing teeth may begin to shift, leading to changes in dental alignment and function.
• Loss of jawbone: Missing a tooth root can lead to resorption of the jawbone, making future implant treatments more difficult.

When are dental implants necessary?

Dental implants may be considered when one or more teeth are missing for various reasons, such as:

Severe tooth decay: If a tooth is severely affected by decay and cannot be saved by filling or root canal treatment, a dental implant may be a solution.

Dental trauma: Accidents or strong blows can lead to tooth loss. Dental implants can replace these lost teeth.

Recurrent dental infections: Chronic dental infections can affect the health of the teeth and may require their extraction, followed by dental implants.

Loss due to periodontitis: Periodontitis, an inflammatory condition of the supporting tissues of the teeth, can lead to tooth loss. Dental implants can restore oral functionality.

Aesthetic: If the patient wants to improve the aesthetics of their smile, dental implants can be an option to replace missing teeth or correct dental abnormalities.

Advantages of dental implants:

Dental implants have many advantages, such as:

Durability: Dental implants are designed to last for the long term, often for the patient’s lifetime.

Functionality: Dental implants provide functionality similar to natural teeth, allowing patients to chew and speak without difficulty.

Aesthetics: They provide a natural and attractive smile, contributing to patients’ self-confidence.

Bone preservation: Dental implants can help preserve the jawbone by preventing bone resorption.

Improved quality of life: By restoring oral function and smile appearance, dental implants can significantly improve quality of life.

Dental implants are an excellent solution for replacing missing teeth and restoring oral and aesthetic functionality. They are needed in a number of situations, such as tooth loss due to decay, trauma or infection. With their long-lasting and multiple benefits, dental implants can improve patients’ quality of life and oral health. It is important to consult a specialist for personalized assessment and appropriate treatment options.