Your smile is one of your most important assets, and it’s something you should take care of every day. If you have missing teeth caused by gum disease or injury that can no longer be repaired with traditional methods, dental implants may be the perfect solution to restoring your smile and your confidence.
What are Dental Implants and Why are They Used?
An implant is an artificial tooth root that replaces a tooth’s natural root. It is a metal post that is placed into the jaw bone to replace a damaged or missing tooth root. Over time, the implant will fuse with the surrounding bone, forming a solid foundation for a new tooth.
Implants are often recommended as a replacement for severely damaged teeth since they offer many advantages over other dental restoration options. They provide better support than crowns and dental bridges because they are attached directly to the jaw bone. They also look more like natural teeth than dentures, which makes them more attractive. Lastly, they help prevent bone loss and further damage to your mouth while stimulating healthy bone growth.
Dental Implant Requirements
If you are considering dental implant surgery to replace missing teeth, you must first meet the following criteria:
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- Bone Density: You must have adequate bone in your jaw to support the implant. If your bone is not dense enough, an additional procedure like bone grafting may be required to increase its density. Bone grafting involves taking a small amount of bone from another area of your body (usually your hip) and placing it on top of the affected area. This helps to stimulate new bone growth.
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- Healthy Gums: The health of your gums is also essential when determining whether dental implants are right for you. If your gum tissue has been compromised by disease or injury, you may need to undergo a gum graft surgical procedure to repair the damage. A gum graft is similar to a bone graft but uses soft tissues instead of hard bone. The goal of gum grafting is to restore the integrity of the gum line and prevent future problems.
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- Good Overall Health: Dental implants are only suitable for patients with good overall health. You should be free from any health conditions affecting your ability to heal properly.
Why Dental Implants Are a Great Choice
Implants are Comfortable
Unlike removable dentures, which can cause sore spots and irritation around the mouth, dental implants do not move around during eating or speaking. Because they are fixed securely in place, they provide a comfortable fit and feel.
Implants are Cosmetically Appealing
Dental implants look and function just like real teeth and they are designed to blend seamlessly with your existing teeth. In addition, since they are made from titanium, they are highly durable and resistant to staining, providing years of beautiful white smiles.
Implants are a Long-Lasting Solution
With proper care and maintenance of good oral hygiene, dental implants can last up to 20 years or even longer, making them an excellent permanent solution for replacing multiple missing teeth.
The Dental Implant Procedure
The first step in getting dental implants is to schedule an initial consultation appointment at our practice. During this visit, our oral surgeon will perform a thorough examination of your mouth and discuss all of your current oral health issues. Once we determine that you are a good candidate for implants, our oral surgeon will discuss with you the different treatment options available and what each one entails.
Once you decide to proceed with the treatment, we will create a customized treatment plan just for you. We will prepare your mouth for the procedure by removing any remaining decay or tartar build-up. Then, we will numb the areas where the implants will be placed and make several incisions in your gums to allow us access to the underlying bone. We will then drill holes into the bone using special tools to create space for the implants.
Afterward, we will insert the implant into your jaw bone and attach a healing abutment. This allows us to monitor how well the bone heals around the implant. After a couple of months, we will remove the healing abutment and replace it with a permanent prosthetic. At this point, you will notice a dramatic improvement in your smile!
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
Are dental implants expensive?
Since implants require extensive preparation before placement and lengthy periods of recovery, they are more costly than other tooth replacement options. But if you are looking for long-lasting results, dental implants are the best choice available.
Who needs dental implants?
Anyone who has lost multiple teeth due to periodontal disease, trauma, or decay may benefit from dental implants.
What are dental implants made of?
Dental implants are made of two parts: the implant itself and the prosthetic, such as a crown or bridge. The implant is usually made of pure titanium, while prosthetics are typically made of either gold or ceramic.
How long do teeth implants last?
Teeth implants can last up to twenty years or longer depending on the patient’s oral hygiene habits and lifestyle. If you take good care of your implants, they should last as long as natural teeth.
Book a Dental Implant Consultation Today
You don’t have to live with missing teeth anymore! With dental implants, you’ll get back the confidence and self-esteem you’ve been missing out on. To learn more about implants, contact our office today to set up a consultation appointment. Our team looks forward to meeting you and helping you achieve a brand-new, beautiful smile!