It’s crucial to take care of your teeth and overall oral health. Regular brushing, flossing, and visits to the dentist can help prevent problems like cavities and gum disease. But what if you’re missing one or more teeth? Dental implants are a popular and effective solution for missing teeth. Keep reading to learn more about dental implants, including the benefits, the process, and what to expect.
Why Dental Implants Might Be Right For You
A plethora of people choose dental implants to replace their missing teeth. Dental implants are small titanium posts that are placed in the jawbone to serve as the roots of your new teeth. They are a popular choice because they offer many benefits, including:
Feel and Look Like Natural Teeth
Dental implants can give you back your smile. They look and feel like your natural teeth, so you can eat and speak without worry.
Preserve Facial Structure
Dental implants improve your oral health by preserving your facial structure. When you lose teeth, your jawbone begins to shrink. Dental implants help to keep your jawbone healthy and strong.
Lifetime
Although dental implants are a major investment, they can last a lifetime with proper care. Once they are placed, you won’t need to worry about replacing them like you would with dentures or bridges.
Improve Speech
Dental implants can help you to speak more clearly. Dentures and bridges can sometimes slip, causing you to mumble your words. Dental implants are securely placed in your mouth, allowing you to speak with confidence.
Versatile
The cost of dental implants varies depending on the number of teeth you are replacing and the type of implants you choose. But in general, they are a more versatile and durable solution than dentures or bridges.
Your Guide To Getting Dental Implants
Going through the process of getting dental implants takes time, but it is worth it for the many benefits they offer. The process usually takes several months and involves the following steps:
Schedule a Consultation With a Dentist or Oral Surgeon
The first step is to schedule a consultation with a dentist or oral surgeon. They will assess your oral health and determine if dental implants are the right solution for you.
Have a Thorough Dental Exam
While meeting with your dentist, they will thoroughly examine your mouth, teeth, and gums. They will also take X-rays to get a better look at your jawbone.
Get a CT Scan
CT scans are often used to plan dental implant surgery. They provide a detailed 3D image of your jawbone, which helps your dentist determine the best placement for your implants.
Receive Dental Implants
The dental implant surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia. During the surgery, your dentist will make small incisions in your gums and place the implants in your jawbone.
Have the Abutment Placed on Your Dental Implants
Once your gums have healed, you will need to have an abutment placed on your dental implants. The abutment is a small connector piece that helps to secure your new teeth in place.
Get Your New Teeth
The last thing you need to do is get your new teeth. Your dentist will take impressions of your teeth and use them to create a custom set of dentures, bridges, or crowns.
Maintain Your Dental Implants
In order to keep your dental implants in good condition, it’s important to brush and floss regularly. You should also see your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.
Conclusion
Dental implants may be a big investment, but they offer many benefits. If you are missing one or more teeth, talk to your dentist about whether dental implants are right for you.