What are the advantages of implants?
Implants are one of the most important breakthroughs in modern dentistry. Though there’s no substitute for natural, healthy teeth, implants are the next best thing. They fit perfectly into your jaw and match your natural teeth.
Implants not only look great, and can do wonders for your confidence, but they also work just like natural, healthy teeth. Implants allow you to speak and eat the way you would normally, and you can brush and floss them the way you would any other teeth.
Implants are also among the longest-lasting solutions for missing teeth. Because an implant becomes part of your jaw, it’s sturdy, strong, and durable. In fact, with proper care, implants can last throughout your lifetime.
Who is a good candidate for dental implants?
Many people who are missing one or more teeth are good candidates for implants, but it’s important to be in good dental and overall health. You should have healthy gums and enough jawbone to support the implant. While the procedure is safe, it may be risky if you have diabetes or an autoimmune condition, as these can increase infection and interfere with healing.
Your dentist conducts an evaluation to make sure you’re a good candidate for implants. If you’ve experienced jawbone loss, you may still be able to receive implants. However, you may need a procedure such as a bone graft or sinus lift to restore the bone.
What is the procedure to place an implant?
Implants require multiple appointments at Graceful Smiles Dentistry. At your first appointment, your dentist places the implant in your jaw.
After the placement procedure, you need to wait for the surrounding tissues to heal, and the implant can integrate with your jawbone. This may take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. While that may seem like a long time, keep in mind that your implant can last a lifetime.
Once you heal from the placement surgery, your dentist takes impressions of your teeth. These impressions are used to create your permanent replacement tooth or crown. Placing the crown is nonsurgical and involves adhering or screwing the crown onto the implant.
To learn more about dental implants, schedule an appointment at Graceful Smiles Dentistry online or by phone today.
