Losing a tooth, whether due to injury or disease, can lead to various complications such as chewing and speaking discomfort, rapid bone loss, gum disease, or tooth decay in the remaining teeth. Thankfully, a lost tooth can be replaced with a dental implant, allowing patients to restore their oral function and alleviate these issues.
A dental implant is a small titanium fixture that serves as an artificial root for dental prostheses such as crowns, bridges, or dentures. They are surgically placed in the jawbone to provide a strong foundation for the replacement teeth, making them stable and natural-looking.
Dental implants are a safe, proven, and well-established treatment. They can last for 10-15 years or even longer, making them a long-term solution for replacing missing teeth. Your implant may last a very long time if you take care of it very well! Regular dental checkups with a radiograph taken on the implant area and your oral hygiene will have the biggest impact on how long they will last.
If you don’t take care of your implant well and neglect it, just like a natural tooth/teeth – this may lead to gum infection, bleeding, discomfort, and soreness. You could get all these problems like neglected natural tooth/teeth as well.
If your implants are well placed and well looked after and the bone they are fitted to is strong and healthy, you can expect them to last for many, many years.
There are several types of dental implants. Common types include:
These implants, typically shaped like small screws, cylinders, or blades, are directly inserted into the jawbone to support one or more replacement teeth. Endosteal implants are recommended for those who already have dentures or bridges.
Unlike endosteal implants, subperiosteal implants are placed on or above the jawbone to support replacement teeth. These are recommended for patients who cannot wear regular dentures, don’t have enough natural jawbone to hold an endosteal implant, or don’t want to do a bone augmentation procedure to build up the bone.
Dental implants offer numerous benefits such as:
Apostol Dental Cosmetic Center was established in 2010. Situated in Makati, our dental clinic aims to provide quality and top-notch dental care from simple to complex treatments suitable for all our patients. Among our comprehensive range of dental services is dental implants, offering a permanent and natural-looking solution for missing teeth.
Our experienced team utilizes advanced technology and techniques to provide exceptional implant treatments. Enjoy the freedom to eat, speak, and smile confidently without worrying about your teeth. Schedule a consultation today and take the first step towards a complete smile.
Yes, dental implants are considered safe for many people. However, like any procedure, they also carry some potential risks such as damage to other teeth, injury to the tissues or bone in the mouth, sinus cavity, tooth sensitivity, or nerve damage. Consulting with a qualified and experienced dentist can help minimize these risks.
Recovery from a tooth implant can vary depending on several factors, including the number of implants placed and how well they follow post-surgery care instructions. In most cases, patients can already resume their normal activities a few days after dental implant surgery. However, a complete recovery can take several months.
Patients may experience some pain, bleeding, swelling, and bruising in the days after treatment. However, these side effects will subside eventually and should not be cause for concern.
Immediately following dental implant surgery, a soft diet is essential. To avoid stressing the implant site, patients should consume soft foods that require minimal chewing. Suitable options include smoothies, yogurt, scrambled eggs, pudding, mashed potatoes, creamy soups, and broth.
You have to brush your teeth at least twice a day using a soft toothbrush to ensure the long-term success of your implants. Using floss and mouthwash is also essential for cleaning between teeth and around the implant area.
You have to wait at least 24 hours before you can resume tooth brushing. During those hours you can just gently rinse your mouth with mild salt water (1/4 teaspoon of salt in a glass of water).
After getting dental implants, there are several practices you should avoid to prevent complications that can hinder your smooth and speedy healing. These include:
In the Philippines, the price of dental implants can vary depending on several factors, including the type of implant, the number of implants needed, and the expertise of the dental professional. A single dental implant can cost between Php 60,000 to Php 100,000.
