Dental implants are an excellent resolution to restore lost teeth, as they are fused into the jawbone and replace the missing teeth. Dental implants have the advantage of appearing more natural and closer to your regular teeth.
There is more support for your teeth when you have a dental implant. The likelihood of bone loss is significantly reduced. There are many situations in which the installation of dental implants is appropriate.
Putting in dental implants is a process, and you will need to work with a dental surgeon and your dentist to ensure the right fit. Read this article and find out everything you want to know about dental implants in Scottsdale.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are fixtures attached to your jawbone underneath the gums, onto which artificial teeth are affixed. The implants become anchored to your bone as they replace the missing teeth with artificial teeth.
Dental implants provide stable support as the bone heals tightly around the implant. They do not have the possibility of bone damage that dental bridges or dentures can because they will not slip out of place. The following situation can be suitable for dental implants:
- If you have one or more absent teeth
- If you have a jawbone that has come into its total growth
- If you do not want to wear dentures
- If you have enough bone to keep implants secure
- If you have oral health concerns
- If you do not have health conditions that could impede bone healing
- If you are a non-smoker
- If you can commit several months to the process
The dental implant serves as a replacement for the missing tooth. It is the closest thing you can get to a natural tooth when you have a dental implant melded into the jawbone.
How Long Do Dental Implants Take?
The process of acquiring dental implants can take up to several months. You will need to involve a dental surgeon and your regular dentist. The following are the appropriate steps you need to take when getting dental implants:
Damaged Tooth Removal
A dental surgeon removes the damaged tooth. There may or may not be a bone graft involved. The implant should be placed about three to six months after extraction, which will give the bone enough time to heal.
Placing the Implant
The dental surgeon places the implant where the missing tooth is supposed to be. You could compare the process to having a filling done, except it takes fewer drills. The implant usually takes about three months to heal.
Temporary Tooth
A temporary tooth may be used to fill in a gap for a missing tooth or to temporarily cover the dental implant’s post, as the bone around the implant heals. The purpose of this is to protect the gap where the tooth is missing and keep other teeth from sliding into that area.
Permanent Teeth
The dentist will prepare an impression of your teeth to ensure a proper fit, and you will bite down on the rubbery item. The dentist sends the model to the dental laboratory. You will come back in a few weeks to place the permanent tooth on the implant.
What Are the Advantages of Getting Dental Implants?
There are many reasons why getting dental implants is a good idea when you need an artificial tooth. You and your Scottsdale Dentist will weigh the pros and cons, as well as what is suitable for your situation. The following includes the advantages of getting dental implants:
Less Chance of Bone Loss
When you lose a tooth, the bone in the space will start to erode, and reabsorption occurs. With dental implants, the root of your tooth is replaced, which means less of a chance that bone loss will occur.
Teeth Become Stronger
The implants will fuse to your jawbone, making them very stable and strong. You will need to take good care of your teeth if you want them to remain intact. Dental implants may also last a lifetime if you are willing to do the work.
Improved Speech
When you have dentures that do not fit the way they are supposed to, the dentures can slip inside the mouth and cause you to slur your words when you speak. Excessive saliva can cause lisping. An unintended mumble marks this stammering.
They Match Your Natural Teeth
Dental implants come in varied shapes and sizes. Your Dentist Scottsdale will help you to design implants that match the color of the rest of your teeth and fit exceptionally well within the gap. Most of the time, implants look so natural that no one can tell the difference.
Caring for Your Dental Implants
Caring for your dental implants is easy and similar to caring for your natural teeth. Some tips for caring for your implants include:
- Brush and floss regularly: Brush at least twice a day and floss daily to remove plaque and food particles that can cause decay and infection.
- Visit your dentist regularly: Regular dental checkups and cleanings are important for maintaining the health of your implants and checking for any potential problems.
- Avoid hard and sticky foods: Foods that are hard or sticky can damage or dislodge your implants, so it is important to avoid these foods.
Conclusion
Since implants are inserted surgically into your jawbone, they will feel much more comfortable than dentures. Dental implants provide stable support for your teeth, and you will feel more confident every time you smile. And you want to enhance your smile with a cosmetic procedure? Before you make any decisions, come see us at Precious Smiles to learn more about the alternatives available to you. Call us at (480) 607-0498 or make an appointment with us so that one of our experts can examine your objectives and needs.
