What Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is the most effective dental treatment available at present to replace a missing natural tooth with an artificial tooth. A dental implant is a great solution both in terms of aesthetics as well as functionality. Millions of patients around the world have benefitted from dental implants, and this technology has transformed the whole field of dentistry.

The dental implant technology dates back to the 1960s. It originated from Sweden, and in the last two decades the technology has advanced and perfected itself to produce highly effective results for the patients. Before the introduction of dental implants, the dentists had to depend upon traditional bridgework or dentures that were cumbersome for the patients. The bridgework relies on neighboring teeth for support, thereby compromising the healthy teeth to some extent.

But with dental implants, there are no such adverse effects involved. It is practically a permanent solution, and the patient tends to forget completely that he is using an implant. With time, the implant integrates completely with the bone, and acts as normally as the natural teeth. The bone accepts the implant as a natural tooth, and thus any bone loss is prevented even if the natural tooth is missing.

The success rate of dental implants is very high with the latest technologies, methods and materials in use. An estimated 95 percent of patients benefit from the implants in the long run, and do not face any implant failure. If the patient maintains his oral hygiene and general diet very well, and does not suffer from any such disease that may affect his oral health, the implant can be expected to last a lifetime without any trouble.

Implants are used even for those patients who have been using dentures. The implant helps to keep the dentures firmly in its place, and the patient experiences far more comfort with his or her dentures. Implants are a great technology for all those people who have lost a tooth to disease or injury.

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