What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that provide a permanent base for fixed, replacement teeth. They are an ideal option for people in good general oral health who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury, or some other reason.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Improved Appearance: Dental implants look and feel like your own teeth. Because they are designed to fuse with bone, they become permanent.
Better Speech: With poor-fitting dentures, the teeth can slip within the mouth, causing you to mumble or slur your words. Dental implants allow you to speak without the worry that teeth might slip.
Easier Eating: Sliding dentures can make chewing difficult. Dental implants function like your own teeth, allowing you to eat your favorite foods with confidence and without pain.
Improved Oral Health: Dental implants don’t require reducing other teeth, as a tooth-supported bridge does. Because nearby teeth are not altered to support the implant, more of your own teeth are left intact, improving long-term oral health.
Durability: Implants are very durable and will last many years. With good care, many implants last a lifetime.
The Procedure
The process of getting dental implants requires a number of visits over several months. The first step is to develop an individualized treatment plan. The next step is the placement of the implant. For the first three to six months following surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums, gradually bonding with the jawbone. After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. The dentist will uncover the implants and attach small posts that will act as anchors for the artificial teeth. These posts will not be visible once the artificial teeth are placed.
Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?
The ideal candidate for a dental implant is in good general and oral health. Adequate bone in your jaw is needed to support the implant, and the best candidates have healthy gum tissues that are free of periodontal disease.
If you’re considering dental implants, we invite you to schedule a consultation to discuss how dental implants can benefit you. We are committed to providing exceptional care and helping our patients achieve beautiful, healthy smiles.
Contact us today to learn more about dental implants and how they can improve your quality of life.