Everything You Need to Know About Dental Implants

If you're missing teeth or have severely damaged teeth, dental implants may be a good option for you. Dental implants are a restorative dental treatment that involves surgically placing a titanium post into the jawbone to support a replacement tooth. Here's everything you need to know about dental implants:

How Dental Implants Work

Dental implants consist of three parts: the implant post, the abutment, and the crown. The implant post is surgically placed into the jawbone, where it fuses with the bone over a period of several months. Once the implant post has fused with the jawbone, the abutment is attached to the top of the post. The crown, which is the replacement tooth, is then attached to the abutment.

Benefits of Dental Implants

There are many benefits to dental implants. For one, they look and function just like natural teeth, so you can eat, speak, and smile with confidence. Additionally, dental implants are a long-term solution to tooth loss, as they can last a lifetime with proper care. Finally, dental implants can prevent bone loss in the jaw, which can occur when teeth are missing.

Candidacy for Dental Implants

Not everyone is a good candidate for dental implants. You need to have good oral health and enough jawbone to support the implant post. If you have gum disease, you may need to treat it before getting dental implants. Additionally, if you have significant bone loss in your jaw, you may need a bone graft before getting implants.

The Dental Implant Procedure

The dental implant procedure typically takes several months to complete. First, the implant post is surgically placed into the jawbone. Then, you'll need to wait several months for the post to fuse with the bone. Once the post has fused, the abutment and crown can be attached.

Aftercare for Dental Implants

After getting dental implants, it's important to take good care of them to ensure they last a lifetime. This means brushing and flossing regularly and seeing your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. You should also avoid chewing on hard foods and using your teeth to open packages or bottles.

Overall, dental implants are a great option for people who are missing teeth or have severely damaged teeth. Talk to your dentist to find out if dental implants are right for you.

Related Links