Dental implants are a replacement for missing teeth.
Advantages of Dental Implants
Dental implants provide many advantages to the patient.
- Cosmetic appearance. Implants look and feel like natural teeth, improving the shape of the face as well as the smile.
- Better speech. Dentures may slip inside the mouth, interfering with speech. Implants stay put, allowing a person to speak with confidence.
- Improved eating and comfort. A person with implants can eat and chew confidently without having to worry about sliding dentures or pain.
- Higher self-esteem. Having a bright smile with no gaps between teeth boosts self-confidence.
- Better oral health. Implants do not require that nearby teeth be reduced like a bridge does. The implants also allow for cleaning between teeth, which keeps the mouth healthier in the long term.
- Convenience and durability. Implants are permanent and provide freedom from dentures that require adhesive and must be removed at the end of the day. With proper care, most implants will last for the rest of the patient’s life.
The Dental Implant Procedure
The implant process starts with placing a titanium post in the socket left by the missing tooth. The jawbone will then heal around the post, giving it a secure foundation. This can take up to 12 weeks. Once the healing has completed, an abutment, which is a small connecting post, is placed to support the new tooth that will be created from a bite model. When the new tooth is ready, it is fitted onto the abutment and the process is complete. Some patients may elect to have a removable denture rather than a permanent tooth. The best part about receiving an implant is there is almost no discomfort involved. Any soreness afterward can be treated with an over-the-counter pain reliever.
Caring For Dental Implants
After the procedure, caring for an implant is as simple as regular brushing, flossing and seeing the dentist on a regular basis.
Missing teeth can take a toll on oral health. An implant can improve a smile and lead to a better quality of life.