Are you ready to have the smile you've always dreamed of? Learn what dental implants are and why you should consider them.
By age 50, Americans have lost an
average of 12 teeth. Have you lost one or several of
your permanent teeth?
If so, you might be feeling self-conscious about your smile, or you might experience pain or discomfort when you're eating or speaking. Dental implants might be the perfect solution.
But what are dental implants? How do you know if you're a good candidate for them, and what makes them so great? Let's talk about it.
Read on to learn everything that you need to know about your dental implant options.
First: What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a solution for anyone who is missing one tooth or several teeth. They're a good alternative to conventional dentures.
When you get dental implants, your oral surgeon will implant titanium posts into your gums where the missing teeth are supposed to be. When those heal, they'll place crowns over the top.
The finished result looks almost identical to natural teeth.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
Many people see the hefty price tag of dental implants and hesitate to make their appointment. It's true that dental implants can be expensive, but it's for good reasons. There are plenty of benefits that dental implants can offer you that don't apply to other restorative treatments.
Here are a few benefits of getting dental implants.
A Natural Appearance
One of the best things about dental implants is that they (usually) look like your natural teeth. Whether you have one implant or an entire mouth full of implants, no one should be able to tell that your teeth are fake unless you let them know.
Many people worry about getting single implants because they don't want them to "stick out." Rest assured that your dentist will work with you to make sure that your implant looks as similar to your natural teeth as possible.
The confidence that you can gain from having a whole mouth full of healthy "teeth" is going to be life-changing. This is a big enough benefit for most people who are still on the fence about investing in dental implants.
Jawbone Protection
Did you know that having missing teeth can impact your jawbone?
When you chew and bite your food (or anything else), you're strengthening your jaw. When you lose a tooth, the bone underneath is no longer receiving that pressure that keeps it strong and healthy. Your body is no longer trying to rebuild bone around the missing tooth.
This is called
bone resorption. It can cause a sunken appearance, difficulty eating, headaches, shifting teeth, trouble speaking, and more.
Dental implants are the only good solution to this problem. The titanium implants mimic your natural tooth roots. They strengthen the jawbone around them so bone resorption doesn't happen.
They Function Like Real Teeth
One advantage of dental implants over dentures is that they mimic your real teeth functionally. You never have to deal with them slipping around or sliding out.
Once the implants are in place, you treat them as you would your regular teeth. You can eat with them, brush them, chew gum, and more. For all intents and purposes, they're your teeth but better.
They're Long-Lasting
If you want results that last nearly as long as your normal teeth would, look no further. Dental implants are a fantastic solution.
As long as you take proper care of your implants, they can last for a long time. You may need to go to occasional check-ups to make sure that they're still in good condition (rejection is a possibility, albeit an unlikely one), but most people see them as a permanent solution to their missing teeth.
Unlike dentures, you won't have to replace the implants every few years. This also makes them fairly cost-effective despite their high price tag.
Who Should Consider Getting Dental Implants?
Dental implants aren't for everyone, but they are a good solution for most people who have one or several missing teeth.
To get dental implants, you should have otherwise good oral health. A dentist will analyze your situation during a consultation to make sure that your gums are in good enough condition for dental implants. You should also have healthy teeth surrounding the area where the implant is going to go.
If this isn't the case, you may need to pursue other options or get some dental work before you're able to move forward with the procedure.
Certain health conditions may also disqualify you from getting dental implants. Talk to your dentist about your options.
What Does the Process Look Like?
It takes several appointments to get your dental implants, but it's worth it.
First, you'll have a consultation with a dentist or oral surgeon. They'll give you a full check-up, talk about your needs and wants, and determine whether or not dental implants are a viable option for you.
If you decide to move forward with the procedure, you'll schedule your next appointment. If you're already missing teeth, the oral surgeon will place the titanium posts into your bone socket. If you need extractions, they have to do this first.
After the surrounding bone fuses with the implant (which can take up to twelve weeks), your surgeon will add an abutment to it. They'll then take a mold of your mouth so they can create the crowns. They'll also analyze the color of your remaining teeth so they can get a perfect match.
At your next appointment, the dentist or surgeon will place the crowns on top of the implants and make sure that everything fits perfectly. You'll leave with a picture-perfect smile.
Are Dental Implants Right for You?
If you're missing one or several teeth, dental implants might be a perfect solution for you. They're long-lasting, durable, and indistinguishable from your natural teeth. What's not to love?
At Sparkle Dental, we provide our patients with high-quality dental care. If you need a dentist in Mount Vernon, NY,
contact us. We can't wait to meet you.
