Dr. Balaji Bs

Dental implants are basically replacing your teeth roots. In dental implants anchors are used which are actually a cylindrical screw like object. This is put in your lower and upper jaw bones through surgery and they work like stable bases for artificially replaced teeth. (Learn how to Avoid Yellowing of Teeth)

Dental implants can be of many types and the types of implants vary on the method of surgery.

Some prominent types of dental implants are:

1. Endosteal: In this method screws, blades or cylinders are surgically inserted in the jawbone. Every implant can hold one or more artificial teeth.

2. Subperiosteal: Through this process, artificial teeth are on the top of a jawbone by a metal framework. People who cannot wear artificial dentures and have a short bone height prefer this method.

Dental implants come with many advantages, some of the advantages may include:

1. Improved Appearance: Surgically implanted teeth feels like your own teeth, at the same time they also look better.

2. Improved Speech: With badly fitted dentures (learn more about regular care for dentures) you have chances to slur or mumble your words but with dental implants, it is easier to speak.

3. Improved Comforts: Dental implants are very comfortable; you will not find any difference with your own teeth.

4. Comfortable Eating: As it feels like your own teeth, you find no difficulty whilst chewing, and you can always enjoy your favourite food.

5. Improved Confidence: After dental implants, you will smile lot more than before and that will happen because of your regained self-esteem.

6. Durability: Dental implants last many years and if you take good care then it can last for your lifetime. Sometimes people choose dental implants for its durability.

7. Convenience: Although this process lasts for a very long time, you can replace it or change it anytime you feel like you are having any problem regarding it.

There are also some different processes through which dental implants can be done. It depends on your problems and needs.

Some processes may include:

1. Replacing one single tooth: if your one tooth is missing then one crown and one implant would be enough.

2. Replacing many teeth: if you are having problems with several teeth, then a full bridge of dentures can be used.

3. Replacing all your teeth: if it is needed then all your teeth can be replaced.

4. Sinus Augmentation: this one is a little difficult process, it helps to develop bones for dental implants. It also develops the quality of your bone.

Dental implants are very successful now. It is durable and good looking. After the implant the artificial teeth feels like your own teeth and it is very easy to handle.

The tooth may look a tiny structure, but is a very complicated one. Structurally, it has very high concentrations of minerals and vitamins, all essential for optimal dental health. Reduced or increased amounts of these substances can lead to obvious defects in the teeth, which may impair aesthetics and sometimes even the functioning of the tooth.
While calcium is one mineral that would immediately come to mind, there are a lot of other vitamins and minerals too which play a significant role both in tooth formation and in optimal dental health. Listed below are some of these, along with their role in dental health.

Vitamins:

1. Vitamin A: Often associated with vision, vitamin A is essential for production of good amount of saliva which maintains healthy mucous membranes. Reduced saliva increases predisposition to decay and gum disease and also increases bad breath.
2. Vitamin D: Needless to say, with the strength of the jaw bones, a good amount of calcium is required to boost bone mineral density.
3. Vitamin C: The gums have connective tissue fibers which help bind the tooth to the jaw bone. For good strength of the connective tissue, vitamin C is important. Therefore, vitamin C deficiency can lead to tooth mobility and even tooth loss in severe cases.
4. Vitamin B complex: There are too many people who would have popped a multivitamin to ward off mouth sores. Niacin and riboflavin especially are essential for optimal mucosal health and reduce inflammation.
5. Vitamin K: This has multiple roles to play. It helps in improving the body's healing process, blocks substances that break down bone, promotes bone strength, and reduces bleeding disorders.
6. Minerals: There is a long list of minerals that are essential for optimal dental health, as below:
7. Calcium: From strong enamel to jaw bone, calcium is extremely important for the tooth to be fully formed. Calcium deficiency can result in hypoplastic teeth that are more prone for chipping and decay.
8. Potassium: Needed to improve bone mineral density. It also works in conjunction with magnesium and prevents from the blood turning too acidic. Acidic blood can suck out calcium from teeth and bones.
9. Fluoride: Proven to be the anti-decay magic medicine, fluoride reduces the incidence of tooth decay. Fluoride gels are applied for children to promote remineralization of enamel which may have initial caries.
10. Phosphorus: Provides support to calcium and potassium in bone formation.
11. Iron: Required for keeping red blood cell count at a good level and fighting infections.
12. Iodine: This trace mineral is required for absorption of calcium and potassium that is essential for tooth formation.
13. Zinc: Naturally found in saliva, it fights against plaque formation and subsequent infections.

For optimal dental function, ensure your diet has these essential nutrients.