Caring for an Elderly Parent With Special Dental Needs
4 Things a Dentist Can Help You with When You Inquire About Dental Implants
Joe Lawrence
Dental implants are tools that dentists can use when performing oral restorations. Unlike dental bridges and other dental appliances, dental implants are placed below the gum line where they are secured firmly in the patient's jawbone. Dental implants aren't for everyone, but if you think they may be for you, you can make an appointment with your dentist to discuss the options. These are some of the things a dentist can help you do when you inquire about dental implants:
1. Find out if bone grafts are necessary.
Most dental implants are endosteal implants that are placed in the jawbone through a hole specifically drilled for the purpose. In order to successfully use endosteal implants, you must have enough jawbone density present. Unfortunately, bone erosion can occur over time as a result of insufficient calcium or long-standing tooth loss. During your consultation, your dentist can take thorough x-rays of your teeth and jaw and decide whether or not bone grafts would be beneficial to you. If you decide not to receive bone grafts but lack sufficient jawbone material for endosteal implants, your dentist may talk to you about the option of subperiosteal implants instead.
2. Replace more than one tooth at a time.
Some people imagine that dental implants are metal posts with prosthetic teeth on top. However, the dental implant itself is a titanium rod that is inserted into a patient's jawbone or the space below their gums. An abutment is then attached to this implant, which allows dentists to apply a number of different prosthetics, depending on a patient's needs. If you are missing multiple teeth located next to each other, your dentist may make a prosthetic consisting of two or more false teeth. People who require full-mouth restoration work can have all of their teeth replaced using all-on-four dental implant technology.
3. Match the color of your natural teeth.
Dental implants are designed to be beautiful as well as functional. To that end, the dental prosthetics your dentist creates for your implant will be designed to mimic the color of your natural teeth as closely as possible. Many dental implant crowns are made from porcelain, which has a natural translucence that beautifully mimics the texture and appearance of tooth enamel.
These are some of the ways that dental implants can help you maintain your oral health and improve the beauty of your smile. Your dentist can help you get started on the road to dental implant treatment if you're interested in seeing if dental implants can improve your smile.
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Caring for an elderly parent tends to be tough enough without the added stress of dealing with dental implants or dentures. But, the prospect is not the end of the world—there are many things you can do to ensure that your parent's dental health is not compromised without having to spend a lot of personal time doing the care yourself. Between working with the right dentist, hiring a service provider for part time work, and giving your parent the tools he or she needs to care for his or her own dental health at home, you'll find that dental health for your loved one isn't so tough or time consuming after all. Hopefully you are able to get the support and information you need right here.