My dentist recommended a dental implant. Should I listen to his advice?

Dental implants are an option to replace missing teeth. They are made up of titanium and other materials that are compatible with the human body. Dental implants are artificial replacements for teeth roots and are placed in the lower or upper jaw. They fit into your jawbone and hold crowns and false teeth in place, in the same way a tooth’s root support natural tooth.

Are implants a solution for all the people with missing teeth?

A dental implant is suitable for patients with a good oral and general health. This means you need to have healthy gums and enough bone to support the implant. If you have a history of gum disease for example, you are at a higher risk of having problems with dental implants. Habits such as smoking or drinking can delay the healing and this is why your dentist will recommend you to give up smoking and heavy drinking before placing implants.
Implants are also less likely to work if you have had radiotherapy. Some other medical conditions such as diabetes or osteoporosis might interfere with healing after surgery. Patients with these issues are not good candidates for dental implants.

Advantages:

• Dental implants will improve your appearance. Because they integrate into the bone structure, they are very stable and have the look and feel of a natural tooth.
• Your self-esteem will increase. Dental implants will help you smile with confidence since there will be no gaps in your mouth.
• Dental implants will facilitate your eating. For example dentures can make chewing difficult. But with implants you will eat without pain and with confidence, as you did with your natural teeth.
• Dental implants will last many years. With a good oral hygiene, they can last a lifetime.

The first titanium dental implant was placed in a human volunteer in 1965 and it was a success. 
At this time, dental implants are the most advanced solution for missing teeth with a success rate up to 97%. 
The titanium implant is surgically placed in the bone of your jaw where the missing tooth was. It will stay there between 2 and 6 months so the bone can grow around the implant. During this time your dentist may give you a temporary crown. Once the implant is fused to the bone, the temporary crown is replaced with a permanent one which is cemented into the place of the missing tooth. The crown will be the same size, shape, color of your natural teeth. 
You need to take care of your dental implants. Brush twice a day, floss and use mouthwash. A good oral hygiene will allow you to keep your implants for at least 20 years.
To conclude, if you are interested in dental implants or you believe you may be a candidate for this procedure, Dr. Arhiri is here to discuss all your queries. If you have a good general health with some missing teeth, dental implants may be the best solution for your oral problem. Call today to make an appointment.

References:

http://consideringdentalimplants.co.uk/considering-dental-implants/introduction1.html
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/i/implants
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-implants#1
https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/cosmetic-dentistry/implants/what-are-dental-implants
https://www.bupadental.com.au/implants
https://www.bupa.co.uk/health-information/directory/d/dental-implants
https://www.news-medical.net/health/History-of-Dental-Implants.aspx
https://www.medicinenet.com/dental_implants/article.htm