(734) 999-9909
To have a beautiful smile, you need to have a good set of teeth; otherwise, your smile will be compromised, along with your whole facial structure. If you have missing teeth, then this can compromise the look of your teeth. The good news is, you can do something about it. A popular dental solution is dental implants.
This is a two-part post. In the first part of the series, we will discuss the basics of dental implants, from defining what they are to listing their benefits. Let’s dive in!
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are designed to replace missing teeth that look like natural teeth. Usually, they are designed from titanium for durability. It is attached to the jaw, and later on, it will fuse to the jaw to make it look and feel more natural.
What to Expect
- Patient Assessment
The process begins with a patient assessment, wherein the dentist will gather information to determine if you’re eligible for a dental implant. Your dentist will ask if you have any existing conditions that may need to be considered to ensure a safe procedure.
- X-rays and Scans
After that, x-rays and scans will be done as the results will serve as a blueprint to help the dentist plot out the implants. Dental implants are customized to ensure they will fit the gum and jaw, while the crown is designed to match the rest of the teeth.
- The Actual Procedure
In some situations, patients are sedated, while others can go through the procedure under a local anesthetic. During the procedure, the titanium post will be attached under the gum line and into the jaw.
Once done, your dentist will place a temporary denture to allow the gum and jaw to heal, which will take weeks or months. With that, you will need to wait for some time to let the bone and implant fuse through. Once this is done, the dentist will install the abutment.
When it’s time for the permanent implant to be placed, the gum will be reopened, and the implant will be screwed in place. After this, the gums will be closed. The crown will then be installed.
Over time, the dental implant will feel more natural as the post fuses with your jaw and stabilizes the crown as you chew.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
- Natural-Looking
One of the primary benefits of dental implants is that nobody will know you have implants in your mouth; they look and function the same way as a natural tooth would.
- Prevents Bone Loss
It can also prevent bone loss. When you have missing teeth, the jaw bone may recede, which may affect your facial structure. Several studies have shown that dental implants could prevent bone loss by connecting the bone.
- Prevents Shifting
A dental implant also prevents teeth from shifting into an existing gap, which means that it provides stability compared to other dental treatments.
- Low-Maintenance
Dental implants don’t require specialized care of some sort. All you have to do is continue your oral care pre-dental implants, such as brushing and flossing.
Conclusion
If you have missing teeth, dental implants are an excellent solution. The process may take some time, but it will be worth it due to its durability. Most importantly, dental implants look and feel more natural.
Interested in gettingdental implants in Ann Arbor and Waterford? Schedule an appointment at Dental House MI today. We offer a range of other dental services such as oral surgery, cosmetic dentistry, and restorative dentistry.
