What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are one of the most popular permanent solutions to missing teeth or teeth that never grew in. They are versatile tools that can be used to make your smile more beautiful. However, there are many misconceptions about what dental implants are, who is a good candidate, and how they work. Here is what you should knowabout dental implants.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are composed of three different pieces. First, the post will be implanted into your jawbone. This surgical procedure will place the titanium post into your jaw, where it will fuse with the bone. This post serves as a substitute for the root that would typically be underneath your teeth if you still had a regular tooth there.

Next, there will be an abutment placed on the part of the post that protrudes above the gumline. This provides a place for the crown to rest. The third piece of your dental implant is the crown. The crown is very similar to the crowns that are placed on root canals. Your crown will be customized to the surrounding teeth so that it provides a seamless match and is not obvious.

Why Are Dental Implants Popular?

There are many different reasons why patients choose dental implants over having a bridge or dentures. Some of the most popular reasons why people choose dental implants include:

• Dentures can impact your speech patterns and make it harder for you to communicate. Dental implants look and function the same as your existing teeth, so your speech won’t be impacted.

• Dental implants look virtually identical to your existing teeth, and they will become permanent as they fuse with your job over time. This provides you with a better alternative to dentures, which are removable and come with dietary restrictions.

• Dental implants are much more comfortable than dentures. Dentures can shift around and be uncomfortable to wear for extended periods of time. Even if you have your dentures properly fit to take great care of them, dental implants will provide you with the best possible solution.

• Many patients are self-conscious about having dentures that need to be removed when they eat or go to bed. As an alternative, you can invest in dental implants that allow you to feel confident in your smile all day long.

• Some dental solutions, like bridges, may cause damage to the surrounding teeth. Dental implants do not require any other teeth to be harmed in the process of installing them. This allows you to keep as many of your teeth as possible and maintain the best oral health that you can. There’s no sense in doing damage to healthy teeth to find a solution to a missing tooth.

• Dental implants are designed to last for your entire life with proper care. As a result, they are incredibly durable.

• Because dentures can be removed, they are not as convenient as something that stays in your mouth around the clock. Dental implants are permanent, which means that they won’t be removed unless your dentist removed them for you. You never need to worry about your implant popping out or falling out while you are eating or talking.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

Providing that you have overall good health and good oral health, there is no reason why you should not be a great candidate for dental implants. Your dentist will be able to evaluate you for your implant to make sure that you have adequate jaw bone for the procedure. If you do not have enough jawbone currently, you may have a bone graft that will increase bone density and provide your implant with a safe place to rest.

Are Dental Implants Successful?

Absolutely! Especially compared with other types of dental treatments, dental implants have some of the highest success rates in the entire dental industry. Providing that you are healthy and take proper care of your implant, dental implants have a success rate of about 98%. If you have any concerns about your ability to care for your implant or the surgical implantation process, your dentist will be able to answer them and soothe your fears.

Are Dental Implants Painful?

No! Because the first surgery that you have will involve placing the post into your jaw, you may feel discomfort and swelling.Your dentistwill provide you with instructions on how to care for the area, but you should not feel lingering pain.

Once your dental implant has been completely finished, you should feel no pain or discomfort. You will be able to use your implant like you would a normal tooth without thinking about it.

Dental implants are a great option for those looking to restore the confidence in their smile.Contact Wedgewood Dental in Rolla MOto learn more about this procedure today.