Improving Your Summer Smile With Dental Implants
Grandview Dental | May 23, 2016
Spring is in full bloom, and with graduations and other celebrations coming along with it, you may be thinking about your smile. If you are concerned your smile doesn’t look its best, because of missing teeth, then you might benefit from dental implants.
If you haven’t considered cosmetic dentistry before, you might be hesitant to move forward. Here are a few things you should know about dental implants, and how they can improve your smile.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a type of cosmetic dentistry that replace the root of a tooth with an artificial one. They are placed either on top of the jaw or in the bone, and are used to hold replacement teeth or dentures.
Each implant is individually designed, and can last a lifetime if properly cared for — they offer a permanent option for teeth lost to periodontal disease or trauma.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants come with a number of benefits, particularly as a long-term solution to a missing tooth. Some of their advantages include:
- Reduce the need for restoration of adjacent teeth
- Preserve natural tooth tissue
- Provide independent support, putting less work on your other teeth
- Improve chewing and speech
What is the Procedure Like?
The full procedure for placing a dental implant usually takes two appointments. Your dentist will begin by placing a titanium post, or implant, in the lower or upper jawbone. A specially-fit surgical guide will also be fitted over adjacent teeth and the missing area.
When the area has healed and the implant has fused to the bone, your dentist will attach a temporary healing collar to it. This collar guides your gums into healing properly.
A temporary crown is then placed and once your mouth is healed and the permanent crown is ready, it will be secured to the implant.
Are Dental Implants Difficult to Care For?
Another benefit of dental implants over other procedures is that they are very easy to maintain. Just like your natural teeth, dental implants require regular brushing and flossing, along with regular cleaning at the dentist’s office — that’s it.
Should I Get a Dental Implant?
It’s important to talk to us to find out if dental implants are the right solution for your individual needs. But in general, dental implants provide a long-term or permanent solution to a missing tooth, meaning fewer complicated procedures.
We will also tell you if you qualify; patients without enough bone mass in the jaw to secure the implants aren’t good candidates for the procedure. Patients also need to be in good oral and overall health before a dental implant is placed.
Missing or damaged teeth can be a source of aggravation and social anxiety, especially during the spring and summer months. But a dental implant might be the best solution for your smile. We are happy to help you determine what care is best for your needs. Call or contact us online today with questions, or to set up a consultation.