Practicing good oral hygiene can not only help you improve your smile, but it can also keep your mouth healthy over time. Occasionally, however, you may experience tooth or gum issues that require more than a simple solution.
Teeth can become decayed, damaged, broken, or knocked out, and you’ll need to find the best solution possible for your needs. One of those solutions is dental implants. To help you determine whether implants are the right option for you, below we provide the things you need to know beforehand.
What is a Dental Implant Procedure?
Dental implants essentially replace the natural root of missing teeth and include a prosthetic, like a crown, attached on top to fill in the gap and act, look, and feel like a natural tooth.
Your dentist will start by surgically embedding a screw-looking device in the jawbone. A custom-designed tooth replacement, matched to your mouth and surrounding teeth, will then be attached to what is called an abutment to restore function and appearance.
Not every patient is a candidate for dental implants, however, so you’ll need to discuss this with your dentist. The health and structure of your mouth will determine whether you are able to receive an implant and experience successful results.
Before heading into your appointment for a dental implant procedure, it helps to know a few essential things ahead of time. Knowing what to expect can calm any anxiety and boost your confidence in the decision to move forward.
1. Dental Implants Blend in with Natural Teeth
Perhaps one of the first things that concern many patients is whether the dental implant will blend in with their natural teeth. The answer is yes; dental implants will look like natural teeth and can enhance your smile overall. In addition, not only will the implants look like natural teeth, but they will also function like real ones as well.
2. Dental Implants are Stable
Once embedded in your jawbone, the titanium roots of the implant eventually fuse with the bone and provide a stable, reliable base for the replacement tooth, which is usually a crown, dental bridge, or a special type of dentures. You won’t have to worry about biting down or chewing with it as a result.
Also, dental implants will stabilize the surrounding teeth, preventing them from shifting, drifting, or moving out of alignment and affecting your bite.
3. Full Healing Takes Time
The implant procedure occurs in steps. Between each of these steps, you’ll need time to heal before proceeding to the next one. These healing phases are crucial to the success of the implant.
Once the artificial root is embedded, your dentist will allow time for healing and for it to fuse to your jawbone. You’ll wear a temporary crown during this time and can expect the healing to take up to six months.
Once that healing and adequate fusing occur, a crown, dental bridge, or denture will be added. You’ll return at some point, which your dentist will determine, to check that everything is positioned correctly and you are not experiencing any issues.
4. Dental Implants are Durable and Long-Lasting
Dental implants are made of strong, resilient materials making them a durable option for replacing missing teeth. Since they are surgically implanted into your jawbone, with proper care, they can last decades. The crown, bridge, or denture itself, however, may need replacing at some point due to normal wear and tear and as you age.
One thing to also keep in mind is that, much like natural teeth, the prosthetic tooth can break or crack when pressure is applied, such as when biting down on hard nuts or chewing on ice. Avoiding these as much as possible will be beneficial.
5. Dental Implants Require the Same Care as Natural Teeth
Caring for your new dental implants won’t require any big changes in your oral hygiene routine. Brush and floss every day, drink lots of water, and schedule bi-annual cleanings and dental exams unless your dentist recommends you schedule them more often based on your individual teeth and dental health.
Learn If Dental Implants are Right for You by Contacting Linworth Family Dental Today
If you or a family member currently experience dental issues or are missing a tooth, dental implants may be a beneficial option. Linworth Family Dental offers our patients full dental implant services right here in our office, making it more convenient for all.
Learn more about dental implants and if they are the right choice for you by contacting our office today at 614-635-7721 or by filling out our online contact form. We will gladly discuss this option and what you can expect, so you can make a confident decision.
My mom might need a dental implant to restore her damaged tooth this month, so she’s looking for more information about them. It’s good to know that dental implants don’t require special care to stay in good shape, so I’ll make sure my mom’s aware of this now. Thanks for the insight on brushing and flossing your teeth and dental implants regularly.
Thank you for explaining that it may take up to six months for the implant to heal completely. My sister is getting a dental implant after one of her teeth was knocked out. I’ll have to share this with her so she’s more prepared for the healing process.