If you have already lost teeth or have any that are failing, you may have already considered dental implants. Widely regarded as the ultimate solution for replacing missing or severely damaged teeth, dental implants are truly life-changing.
You will probably have many questions before you book your dental implant consultation, like- “What are the benefits of dental implants?”, “Who can have implants?” and “Are dental implants the right option for me?”
To help you understand the implant placement process and how life will be after you’ve received treatment, we’ve created this guide. Read on to learn who can have dental implants.
Dental implants act as replacements for the roots of your teeth. They are titanium posts which we anchor into your jaw. Over time, the bone and titanium will fuse to create a robust foundation for your smile.
Titanium is the metal of choice for implants because it’s durable, biocompatible, and won’t degrade over time.
A single implant is completed with a custom-made crown tailored to match your other teeth seamlessly. Multiple teeth can be replaced using a series of four or six implants. Up to an entire row of replacement teeth can be produced to complete your smile.
There are several great reasons why patients choose to get dental implants instead of other options like dentures or bridges. Due to the extra support provided by the implants, you can bite and chew with your new teeth exactly the way you would with your natural teeth.
Because implants are firmly anchored to your jaw, there’s no danger of your new teeth coming loose when you’re speaking, laughing, or eating.
If you’ve lost teeth, gaps can leave you feeling self-conscious about smiling. Completing your smile with dental implants can restore lost confidence.
Dental implants are the ideal solution for anyone who has already lost one or more teeth or needs extractions due to decay, infection, or damage.
There is no upper age limit for getting dental implants. However, younger patients will need fully developed jaws before implants are an option. Whatever your age, you will need to be in good general health and have sufficient jaw bone density to support the implant.
Standard dental implants are placed over several appointments. Before the treatment is completed, we’ll need to ensure the bone and implants are fused. This process can take a few months, and the exact length of time will vary from person to person.
When we’re replacing multiple teeth, we can use a different technique, speeding up the process.
Because implants are made from titanium, they last a lifetime. You will need to maintain good standards of oral hygiene and should visit us for checkups regularly. Dental crowns will typically last for around 15 years with proper care. These can easily be replaced whenever needed.
There are no specific care guidelines for dental implants. Instead, you should take care of your teeth and gums as you normally would. Brush your teeth twice a day, floss, use mouthwash, and visit us for regular checkups and hygiene appointments.
Dental implants may be the best way to restore your smile if you have lost teeth.
However, losing teeth or having advanced gum disease can cause your jaw to deteriorate. If this occurs, you may lack the bone to support dental implants.
Before determining whether dental implants are right for you, we’d need to assess the health of your jaw. We’ll take X-rays and scans to look at bone density.
If you don’t have adequate bone mass, we may recommend a bone graft before the implant procedure.
Dental implants are a life-changing treatment that restore the look and function of your smile. Get in touch today to schedule your dental implant consultation to find out whether they are right for you.
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