If you’re currently dealing with missing teeth, then you know how much of a constant problem they can really be. They can make simple things like eating, speaking, and laughing feel very uncomfortable and awkward, and even worse, they can also be a big risk to your dental health. Luckily, dental implants can permanently replace your missing teeth and rebuild your smile to last a lifetime. But…what are they? Is it really necessary to replace your missing teeth anyway? Today, we answer these common questions so you can know everything you need about getting your complete smile back.
What IS a dental implant?
This is a great place to start, and it’s also the most common question. A dental implant is a small titanium post that is placed directly into the jawbone in order to restore the root structure of a lost tooth. This post (or posts) can then be attached to any number of replacement teeth.
Do I really need to replace my missing teeth?
While it’s easy to think that missing teeth are solely a cosmetic problem, that’s hardly the truth. A single missing tooth can severely affect a person’s ability to speak and eat properly, and when you’re talking about multiple missing teeth, the issues can be much more serious.
Once a tooth has been lost, the jawbone in the area naturally starts to atrophy, and this can cause your other teeth to shift and even drastically change the appearance of your face. Also, missing teeth make you much more likely to develop gum disease, which in itself is the leading cause of tooth loss for American adults! The only way to prevent all of these issues is to replace your teeth, and dental implants are the best way to do it.
But why are dental implants the best?
Dental implants are truly special because they restore the whole tooth both above and below the gum line. No other treatment does this, and not only does it give your replacement teeth unrivaled stability, but it also helps maintain the shape and strength of your jaw. Ultimately, they’ll enhance your ability to eat and speak comfortably, as well as give you a smile you’ll be proud to show off.
What is it like to get dental implants?
The process to get dental implants starts with visiting an implant dentist in your area. They’ll perform a thorough exam where they’ll check your overall health, dental health, as well as the height and thickness of your jawbone (to make sure it can actually support the posts).
Once you have been approved, the first step in the process is a minor surgical procedure where the implants will be placed into your jawbone. It will only involve a small incision in your gums and a few steps to position the implants, and typically, a patient only needs local anesthesia for this to be virtually painless.
Afterward, you’ll be given 3-6 months to heal, during which time the implants will actually bond to the surrounding bone to give you even more security.
Then, once you have completely healed, you’ll return to the dentist’s office to get your new replacement teeth.
How many teeth can dental implants replace?
Dental implants are quite versatile and can restore everything from a single tooth all the way to an entire smile. No matter what you need, dental implants provide the most long term, secure, and natural-looking solution of any other tooth replacement, which is why they are fast becoming the first choice for both dentists and patients.
How can I get started?
If you’re interested in getting dental implants, you simply need to contact a local implant dentist. They’ll be able to tell you about how your individual treatment plan will work, and they’ll be with you step by step until your new smile is completed. In the end, thanks to dental implants, the next time you chew your favorite food or smile at a loved one, the absolute LAST thing on your mind will be your teeth!
About the Author
Dr. Andrew Barnett is an implant dentist and board-certified periodontist based in Northeast Dallas in the Lakewood area. He has taken years of specialized training dedicated solely to dental implants, and he uses them every day to rebuild his patients’ smiles. He currently practices at Mariya Barnett Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, and he can be reached via his website or by phone at (214) 373-9903.