What are dental implants?
Dental implants are metal posts or frames that replace your natural tooth roots, which may have been damaged due to severe tooth decay or tooth loss. They are designed specifically for individuals with damaged or missing teeth who want a more permanent alternative to dental bridges.
Fused to your jawbone, dental implants are permanent and cannot be removed once implanted, which is why they are viewed as the best support for artificial teeth. They provide the comfort and stability of those patients with dentures, bridges, and crowns need to feel like their artificial teeth are as natural as possible.
Why would I choose dental implants over alternative options?
Dental implants are the strongest and sturdiest devices available to replace tooth roots, so they allow your artificial teeth to look, feel, and function just as your natural teeth did before they were eroded by tooth decay or damage. Some of the benefits of dental implants include:
Enhanced speech
Missing teeth or traditional dentures can make talking difficult. Because dental implants are fused to your jawbone, your dentures cannot shift while you speak, so you will be able to have conversations just like you did when you had all of your natural teeth.
Better bite
Because dental implants hold your artificial teeth in place securely, you will have an easier time chewing the foods you love, without worrying about your dentures sliding around.
Improved oral health
Unlike dental bridges, your healthy teeth do not need to be reduced or altered during the implant process, making it easier to take care of your natural teeth in the long term.
What can I expect from the dental implant process?
Once you decide on dental implants, Dr. Patel will create your individualized treatment plan to fit you for your custom implants. Next, X-rays must be taken to determine whether you have enough bone and tissue inside of your jaw to support dental implants. If not, Dr. Patel may recommend bone graft surgery to provide extra support for your implants.
The first step of the surgery is to implant the artificial tooth root into your socket. The small titanium post is inserted directly into the bone socket, but it takes about 6-12 weeks for your bone and gums to grow around the dental implant and secure it into place.
A connector post, known as an abutment, is only attached to the root implant once your gums and jawbone have healed. Using digital X-rays and impressions, your artificial tooth or teeth are then created and fitted to your implants.
After your crowns or dentures are secured to your dental implants, they should look and feel just your natural teeth. Care for implants includes routine brushing, flossing, rinsing with mouthwash, and regular visits to your dentist.
To learn more about dental implants, call Chandler Dental Arts or book an appointment online today.
