Damaged or missing teeth can be painful and frustrating. They not only affect your overall health, but they can also deter you from wearing your beautiful smile. There are many ways of dealing with damaged or missing teeth, but one that has become increasingly common and effective is the dental implant. As you plan a visit your dentist, it’s important to know what to expect with this treatment option, so here’s a quick guide.

What are dental implants?

Unlike dentures and fixed bridges, dental implants are permanent options for tooth replacement. Instead of anchoring the tooth onto the surrounding teeth or the gum, dental implants are surgically fused in the jawbone through an artificially manufactured root which serves as the foundation. Implants are durable and rarely need replacement, unlike fixed bridges that require replacement two or three times in a lifetime.

What are the benefits of dental implants?

The advantages of dental implants include:

• They are reliable: Unlike dentures, which require removal, replacement, and maintenance, implants are permanent and do not need to be removed.
• They enable you to eat everything: With dental implants, you can enjoy sticky and hard food, which you should avoid with traditional dentures. This is because implants are as strong as regular teeth.
• They save the adjacent teeth: Implants do not rely on neighboring teeth for anchorage since they have a root of their own. This means that the integrity of other healthy teeth is preserved.
• They are good-looking: Among all the other teeth replacement options, dental implants provide the most natural look. They are aesthetically superior to dentures and fixed bridges.
• They give you confidence: The downside of dentures is the embarrassment they can cause with their noise and slippage. With implants, you can speak and smile confidently, knowing that these teeth are firmly held in place.

What should I expect during a dental implant procedure?

An implant procedure is a multi-step process which can last for several months. Here are the steps involved:

• The first step is a complete dental examination to establish the extent of the damage. This might include an x-ray.
• Your dentist will then create a treatment plan. At this point, they will determine the condition of the jawbone, the number of teeth that need replacement, and whether the damaged teeth need to be removed before the implant procedure starts.
• The implant procedure begins with the insertion of the dental implant cylinder into the jawbone. You are them given a healing period of several months, after which an implant crown or prosthesis is placed.
• Once the procedure is complete, your dentist will give instructions on how to take care of your implants. Caring for your implants is similar to that of normal teeth– regular flossing and brushing to avoid plaque.

Endosteal Implants are the most popular type of dental implants. Your dentist will drill small holes in the jawbone where the implant is placed directly. Direct placement gives the implant maximum support.

Schedule an Appointment

Dental implants are an excellent option for restoring your smile if you’ve experienced tooth loss. To discuss your options with dental implants at Wager Evans Dental, contact our office by calling or filling out our online form.