Deciding on Dental Implants?
Knowing if dental implants are right for you can be a tough decision, but we’re here to help you navigate the facts and learn about how implants can help restore your smile.
There are numerous options available for replacing missing or unhealthy teeth. Knowing what is available to you and who your dentist recommends should help you decide which route to follow.
What They Are
If you are missing a few teeth, or you have teeth that need to be removed, dental implants are a long-term replacement solution that’s a suitable option for many people.
A great alternative to bridges or dentures, dental implants can be comfortable and long-lasting.
Receiving dental implants involves a surgical procedure that will replace the roots of your tooth with a metal post that resembles a screw. An artificial tooth will be attached to the post that will look and function like a real, healthy tooth.
How the Surgery Works
The implant surgery will depend on what type of implant you are receiving and the condition of your jaw.
Usually, the surgery is performed in stages.
- First, your surgeon will have to remove the existing tooth, and may have to prepare your jaw bone to support the implant.
- After this, your surgeon will place the implant into your jaw where the tooth will go. Following the implant, you will require some healing time before the surgeon can place the abutment, which is like the bridge between the implant and the new tooth.
- Then, the surgeon will be able to place the artificial tooth on the abutment.
The entire process could take several months to complete, depending on your healing time.
Are Dental Implants Right For Me?
If you are healthy, your gums are in good condition, and your jaw bone is capable of supporting the surgery, dental implants may be an option to replace your missing or unhealthy teeth.
Dental implants could be an option for you if you…
- Have one or more missing teeth
- Have a full jawbone that can support the implant
- Have healthy oral hygiene and tissues
- Don’t have conditions that affect bone healing
- Are willing to commit months to the surgeries and healing
- Aren’t a tobacco smoker
Other factors may affect if you are a good candidate for dental implants. You should speak to your dentist to know for sure if dental implants are right for you.
Dental implants are a common choice for people who are looking to replace missing or damaged teeth. Dental implant surgery has been evolving for hundreds of years, and has been refined and restructured to provide you with the most comfortable, natural-looking teeth available.
Caring For Dental Implants
Another thing to consider is the long-term care and maintenance your dental implants will require.
Because they are surgically implanted into the jawbone, your new artificial teeth will look and feel like regular teeth. Just like the teeth you were born with, you will need to keep your artificial teeth clean with regular toothbrushing, flossing, and regular oral hygiene.
Your dentist will be able to show you proper cleaning techniques to help you take care of your artificial implants.
Regular visits to your dentist will ensure your implants are tight-fitting and provide you with an aligned bite.
How Can I Decide What’s Best?
When it comes to replacing teeth, you have a few options.
Implants are great for replacing one or a few missing or damaged teeth and can last many years, depending on how well you take care of them. They are compatible with dental crowns and bridges, which can be built around your implant. The surgery can be extensive, and recovery time will depend on your body’s natural healing process.
Bridges are intended for people with more than one missing tooth. They quite literally bridge the gap between your teeth with artificial teeth. Bridges can be supported by implants, and are considered less durable than implants.
Dentures don’t require surgical procedures. They are available in full or partial denture options to replace some or all missing or damaged teeth. Also known as “false teeth,” dentures require careful handling and maintenance due to their removable nature.
The Best Way to Know For Sure
If you want to know for sure if dental implants are right for you, speak with your dentist.
Before you go ahead with any dental surgery, your dentist can perform a full dental exam and review your medical history including any medications, prescriptions, and over-the-counter drugs and supplements you are taking. Your dentist can take a look at how many teeth you need to have replaced and the condition of your jaw, gums, and remaining teeth.
A discussion with your dentist can help you decide and provide extra information you may need to make an informed decision. If you have any questions, we’re happy to answer them!
