Dental Implants: What You Need to Know

If you are looking for a way to reclaim your smile and believe your teeth are beyond repair, dental implants may be a good option to consider. Dental implants consist of a series of procedures of creating molds of your mouth and implantation of teeth into your jawbone to restore your teeth. The following is some information about dental implants.

What Exactly Are Dental Implants?

When it comes to tooth restoration, you have several options. Veneers are one option that you can consider, which is essentially a set of teeth made from porcelain and placed on top of your existing teeth. This option is attractive because it is rather quick and less expensive than dental implants. The drawback to veneers, however, is that you will need to have them replaced eventually.

Dental implants are individual screws which completely replace your real tooth and the tooth roots. The implants provide a place for a new crown to be placed where your real teeth used to be. The crown looks just like real teeth and is a good option if a more natural appearance is a priority for you.

Are There Health Requirements for Dental Implants?

If you have missing or damaged teeth and are healthy enough to go through oral surgery, dental implants may be an option for you. You should have healthy gums and a strong jawbone to which the implants can be securely placed. When you care for them properly, dental implants can last for the rest of your lifetime.

What Is the Implantation Procedure Like?

Dental implants require a series of procedures until you get the final result. The process begins with tooth root implants. The implant is a small titanium post which is implanted directly into the jawbone. The jawbone then needs to completely heal, which can take several months. You will have a set of temporary teeth in place while you wait out the healing process.

Next, a small connector post, called an abutment, is placed onto the titanium post. The abutment will hold the crown securely so you do not have to worry about the tooth falling off the post. Each tooth is made based on a mold of your current teeth. The new teeth will match your other teeth in color and shape, and will also correlate with your bite. The crown is then attached to the implant.

How Do You Care for Dental Implants?

Once your dental implant procedure is finalized, you can essentially live your life just as you did when you had your natural teeth. Dental implants can be treated just like natural teeth. You need to practice good oral hygiene, including brushing, flossing, and dental cleanings. If you care for your new teeth properly, you will not notice much difference than before.

What Are the Advantages of Dental Implants?

In addition to the natural look of dental implants and the fact that they can last for the rest of your life, some additional advantages make dental implants beneficial. Dental implants are comfortable. With proper care, you will not notice the difference. Additionally, you will be able to eat or drink anything you like without the concern of the teeth moving out of place.

Dental implants can also give you your confidence and self-esteem back. There is no doubt that missing or damaged teeth can impact how you feel about yourself. A tooth restoration through dental implants will give you back your happiness and self-confidence, which goes a long way for your overall health.

If you have any questions about dental implants or other forms of dental surgery, please contact us at The San Diego Center for Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery.