Having dental implants can benefit both your health and the aesthetics of your smile. This is a big, important step for you, so you want to be prepared. Getting implants can be a challenging process, so you may feel nervous or unsure about what will take place. The more you understand and learn about how this treatment works, the more at ease you will feel. When you meet with your dentist, you can come with some questions in mind.
Tooth loss can be embarrassing and affect a person’s self-esteem and self-image. If patients have missing teeth, they may avoid smiling or even being around people. Health-wise, the consequences can be even more serious. Not having teeth makes it difficult to eat well-balanced meals and chew foods such as meats.
If a person loses teeth, the remaining teeth can start to drift and become loose. Eventually, more teeth loss can occur. The jawbone can shrink and start to deteriorate. This can result in the shape of the face changing. This impacts the person’s appearance and speech.
A good starting point is to know what implants are and what they do. Implants are permanent teeth-replacement devices that the dentist places in the gaps left in the mouth. An implant consists of three parts: A screw-like titanium post, an abutment, and a crown. The three work together to function just like a real tooth. The post anchors the implants and acts as the root, while the crown looks like a natural tooth.
After the initial consultation, the dentist will examine the patient thoroughly. The dentist will take X-rays and make impressions of the person’s mouth. This allows the dentist to make the crown and assess whether there is enough bone growth. The implants cannot work effectively if the patient has suffered too much bone deterioration. The dentist may also identify whether any teeth are diseased or damaged beyond the point of restoration or repair.
Implants have many benefits, but there are some challenges too. The process is lengthy and can take up to a year. It requires at least two surgeries before the implants are complete and functioning in the mouth. The first procedure involves the dentist placing the posts in the jaw. A few months of healing and bone-to-post fusing must take place. The dentist then attaches the abutment to the post, followed by the placing of the crown.
Dental implants will last longer than other teeth-replacement treatments. The crown, made of porcelain, ceramic, or composite resin, can bite into most foods. The post is strong and durable; it is able to withstand tremendous forces. With proper care and maintenance, the implants should last up to 20 years or more.
If you are feeling down because of tooth loss, consider getting dental implants. A new smile and restored ability to chew are waiting for you. Make an appointment to talk to your dentist and ask these questions. You will find out whether this treatment is right for you.
Request an appointment here: https://www.lastingimpressionsdentalgroup.com or call Lasting Impressions Dental Group at (832) 784-8212 for an appointment in our Houston office.
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