Dental implants offer a lifetime of natural-looking and feeling teeth. They also protect the health of existing teeth and prevent bone loss in the jaw.
Patients considering dental implants should talk to their dentist or oral surgeon about the procedure. They should also make sure that they’re aware of the risks.
They Look and Feel Like Your Natural Teeth
Dental implants have been designed to look and feel like your natural teeth. They’re strong, stable and durable, so they can last a lifetime with proper oral hygiene.
In addition, they provide stimulation for the jawbone, which prevents bone loss. The titanium screw-shaped implant post, which replaces the tooth’s root, is surgically inserted into your jawbone. It then heals, allowing the dentist to attach an artificial tooth.
The implant also supports the overlying crown, which is customized to blend in with your surrounding teeth. This helps create a healthy and beautiful smile.
If you have any questions about the treatment process, be sure to ask your oral surgeon or dentist. They’re happy to answer any questions you have and will walk you through the steps of getting a dental implant. They’ll also discuss how to care for your new tooth. This includes practicing excellent oral hygiene, visiting your dentist regularly and avoiding damaging habits such as chewing on hard items or using tobacco or caffeine.
They Preserve Bone Structure
Dental implants are the only tooth replacement solution that preserves the bone structure of the jaw. They prevent a process known as bone resorption, which causes the jawbone to deteriorate and can cause nearby teeth to shift or fall out.
The implant post, which acts as a natural tooth root, stimulates the bone, which preserves its structure and strength. Studies have shown that this stimulation can actually inhibit resorption and promote bone remodeling in the area of the missing tooth.
To make sure you have enough healthy bone to support the implant, your dentist will do special tests to see how dense and strong your jawbone is. If there isn’t enough healthy bone, your dentist may suggest a bone graft to add more strength. This graft can use natural bone from another part of your body or synthetic bone-substitute material.
They Prevent Shifting of Other Teeth
Dental implants mimic the function of natural tooth roots, stimulating the jawbone and preventing its deterioration after the loss of an original tooth. They also prevent the drifting of adjacent teeth, a common consequence of missing one or more teeth. This movement can lead to a variety of problems including pain, discomfort and misalignment of the bite.
To ensure a successful implant, dentists carefully examine the patient’s oral health, existing teeth and gums, as well as the health of surrounding bone using X-rays and 3D scans. They take into account chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, long-term steroid use and some forms of cancer, which can inhibit the healing process.
Your dentist will provide a full set of recovery instructions following your surgery, discussing diet, oral hygiene and more. Follow these guidelines to minimize your risk of complications. Contact us if you experience any discomfort, as this is a sign of something wrong with your implant or surrounding teeth.
They Increase Your Confidence
In addition to their durability and natural look, dental implants function like your real teeth. They give you the chewing power to eat your favorite foods and don’t restrict your speech in the way that ill-fitting traditional dentures do (making it difficult to pronounce certain syllables or words).
They also prevent shifting of adjacent teeth, giving you a more complete smile. Plus, implants can last a lifetime if you maintain proper oral hygiene, including regular checkups and a thorough home cleaning routine.
One of the most important things dental implants do is boost your confidence. When you’re missing a tooth, it can make you feel self-conscious about your smile and may affect your social interactions. Research has shown that smiling more often can help you build stronger relationships and improve your mental health. The best part is that when you have a full smile again, you’re more likely to smile. And when you smile, you release feel-good chemicals that enhance your overall mood.