Your smile and teeth are the first thing noticed by most people. It can impact the way others see you and their first impression of you. Improving your smile can help improve your oral health and self-confidence.
If you are one of the 120 million people in the United States missing at least one tooth, you likely want to fix the problem. You may also wonder if dental implants are right for you. Keep reading to learn more about this tooth replacement option and what it offers.
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The Top Benefits of Dental Implants
Over 5.5 million dental implants are placed each year. If you have been thinking about this treatment for your missing teeth, you may want to know what benefits it offers. Some of the top benefits of investing in dental implants from your local dentist include:
Natural Look and Feel
Dental implants provide natural results. They look and function just like your natural teeth and let you speak and eat without having to worry about them moving or falling out.
Durability
A concern about dental implants is how durable the teeth are. Having to repair or replace the teeth can be time-consuming and expensive. However, if properly cared for and maintained, the dental implant can last for several decades. This is much longer than other tooth replacement options, such as dentures and bridges, which must be replaced every five to 10 years.
High Success Rate
If you care for your dental implants by going to the dentist and proper oral hygiene, you can expect high success rates and longevity. When placed, they are designed to last for life. When maintained, implants have a success rate of approximately 95%, which is higher than other teeth replacement options.
Are Dental Implants Right for You?
As mentioned above, there are more than a few benefits offered by dental implant surgery compared to other tooth replacement options. Implants are placed in your jawbone, where they fuse to the bone, creating an artificial root for the replacement tooth. The posts are also made of titanium, which means they will never decay.
It’s important to consult with your dentist to determine if you are a candidate for dental implants. Some of the signs you are a good candidate include:
- Healthy oral gums and tissue
- No oral health conditions that may impact the healing process
- Enough bone in the jaw to secure the implants
- Eligible for a bone graft if insufficient bone is present
- You aren’t a heavy smoker
- You have one or more teeth that need to be replaced
- You don’t like dentures or can’t wear them
The Dental Implant Placement Process
After deciding dental implant surgery is right for you, your dentist can help you with a customized treatment plan. It will address your needs and help you understand the proper care required by the implant.
The first step of the surgery is placing the titanium post. A temporary cap is placed on the post while it heals and fuses to your jaw. Once healed, a crown is attached. To do this, your dentist takes a mold of your existing bite to ensure the crown created fits perfectly.
Ongoing Maintenance of Your Dental Implant
After the tooth replacement is done, you may experience discomfort and swelling. Usually, OTC painkillers should help with this. Ensure to check in with your dentist after your implants are placed to ensure everything is healing properly.
Once fully healed, you need to ensure you take care of your teeth and gums. This means brushing, flossing, and scheduling regular dental cleanings.
