All You Need To Know About Dental Implants
Dental implants are a popular and effective way to replace missing teeth. They are made of titanium and are surgically placed in the jawbone to act as a replacement for the root of a missing tooth. A crown, bridge, or denture is then attached to the implant to replace the visible portion of the tooth.
There are several benefits to dental implants:
Improved Appearance
Dental implants can improve your appearance by replacing missing teeth and filling in gaps in your smile. When you lose a tooth, the surrounding teeth can shift and become misaligned, which can affect the overall appearance of your smile. Dental implants can help prevent these changes by filling in the gap and providing a stable foundation for the replacement tooth. Additionally, dental implants can be used to support dental bridges or dentures, which can also improve the appearance of your smile by replacing missing teeth and restoring the natural contours of your face. Overall, dental implants can help improve the appearance of your smile by providing a natural-looking and functional replacement for missing teeth.
Increased Comfort
Because dental implants are securely anchored in the jawbone, they are more comfortable than other types of dentures or bridges.
Improved Speech
Dental implants can improve your speech by replacing missing teeth and providing a stable foundation for speaking and swallowing. When you have missing teeth, it can affect your ability to articulate certain sounds and words clearly. This can make it difficult to speak clearly and may cause you to slur your words or have difficulty pronouncing certain sounds.
Dental implants can help improve your speech by providing a stable foundation for the replacement teeth, which can allow you to speak and articulate clearly. In addition, dental implants can be used to support dental bridges or dentures, which can also improve your speech by replacing missing teeth and restoring the natural contours of your mouth. Overall, dental implants can help improve your speech by providing a functional and natural-looking replacement for missing teeth.
Improved Oral Health
Dental implants don’t require the removal of healthy tooth structure, as is often the case with traditional bridges. This can help preserve the health of your natural teeth.
Durability
With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. To determine if dental implants are the right choice for you, your dentist will consider several factors, including the health of your jawbone, the number and location of missing teeth, and your overall health.
If you decide to get dental implants, the process typically involves several steps:
1. Consultation
Your dentist will examine your mouth and take x-rays to determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants.
2. Surgical Placement
The titanium implants are surgically placed in your jawbone. This process is usually performed by a periodontist or oral surgeon but can sometimes be performed by your dentist as well.
3. Healing
The implants will need time to integrate with the jawbone, a process called osseointegration. This typically takes several months.
4. Attachment of the crown, bridge, or denture
Once the implants are fully integrated, your dentist will attach the visible portion of the tooth, such as a crown or bridge, to the implant.It’s important to take good care of your dental implants to ensure their longevity. This includes brushing twice a day, flossing, and visiting your dentist in Mission Viejo regularly for cleanings and check-ups. With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime.