Are you tired of missing teeth? Are you embarrassed by your smile because of gaps and empty spaces? Do you have to avoid your favorite foods because you can’t chew them like you used to? If the answer to any of these is yes, you may be a good candidate for dental implants. Here is your guide to everything you need to know about dental implants.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are one of the most popular replacement options for individuals suffering from missing teeth. Dental implants are composed of a titanium screw, an abutment, and a dental crown. The screw is implanted into your bone and will eventually fuse with your jaw. It will not move, keeping your implant safe and secure. The abutment attaches the dental crown, which is custom-made to resemble your natural teeth. When a dental implant is placed properly and fully healed, it is almost impossible to tell that it is not one of your original teeth.
Why Do I Need a Dental Implant?
Dental implants are more than just a cosmetic fix. When you lose one or more teeth, your mouth and jaw can begin to suffer. The teeth around the missing tooth will start to move positions, shifting and changing until they are eventually crooked. This can hurt your jaw bone and greatly affect your bite. Additionally, the empty space left by a missing tooth is much more prone to infection, which can lead to disease and other oral health complications. Last, the jawbone beneath your missing tooth can begin to deteriorate.
What Are the Benefits Of Dental Implants?
There are many benefits to dental implants. One of the biggest benefits is that they look so much like your natural teeth that your smile will be completely restored. You can get back your confidence and enjoy a healthy and happy smile again. Implants also allow you to eat and chew whatever you want, meaning that you can enjoy some of your favorite foods without having to worry about your missing teeth. You will be able to speak seamlessly, and your face will look healthy and more full when you receive dental implants.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
One of the biggest things that your dentist will consider when it comes to dental implants is the amount of available jawbone that you have. If your bone has been too deteriorated, it will not be able to adequately support an implant. In this case, your dentist may recommend a jaw bone graft or another tooth replacement option. Another qualification for receiving a dental implant is the status of your overall health. Because placing an implant is technically a surgical procedure, it is important that you are in good health. To confirm that you are a good candidate for dental implants, your dentist will do a full evaluation and consultation.
How Successful Are Dental Implants?
As far as teeth replacement goes, dental implants are overwhelmingly successful. There is a small amount of risk associated with any surgical procedure, but your dentist will tell you about any risks. When properly cared for, dental implants offer about a 90-95% success rate and can last for a lifetime.
How Do I Care for My Dental Implants?
Dental implants do not require an excessive amount of extra maintenance. To care for your implants, you must simply keep up with good oral health and hygiene practices. Brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes. Make sure that you are flossing, and if possible, add a fluoride-based mouthwash into your daily routine. Because your implant is capped with a dental crown, it may require a bit of maintenance down the road. If your crown chips or cracks, your dentist can easily replace it for you. Even if your crown is working and functioning properly, it is still important to see your dentist regularly so they can keep tabs on your implants to make sure that everything is running smoothly.
If you want to learn more about dental implants, do not hesitate to contact our office. Dental implants are a great way to get the look and function of your smile back. To make sure that implants are the right choice for you, we will set up a consultation. Call us today at (513) 817-0722 to learn more.
