What Are Dental Implants? A Complete Guide to Tooth Replacement

Missing a tooth will affect more than just your smile. It can change how you eat, talk, and feel about yourself. If you are considering replacing a lost tooth, dental implants might be the perfect solution. They feel, appear, and function just like your natural teeth.
 

What Are Dental Implants?

This is a small post made of titanium that is placed into the jawbone to act as a tooth root. This post offers a strong foundation for a replacement tooth or bridge. The jawbone bonds with the post over time, making the implant as secure as a natural tooth. Once the implant is stable, a custom-made crown is placed on top, completing the process.
 

Why Choose Dental Implants?

These implants are an excellent choice for many people because they offer a long-term, permanent solution for missing teeth. Unlike dentures, which can slip or need adhesives, dental implants stay in place and feel natural. Implants also help prevent jawbone loss, which occurs when a tooth is missing for long. With dental implants, you get a strong, stable tooth replacement.
 

The Dental Implant Process

Here is what to expect:
 

• Consultation

Your dentist will take X-rays of your mouth and jaw to determine if you are a good candidate for an implant. They discuss your overall health and if implants are the right choice for you.
 

• Surgery

The implant is inserted into your jawbone during a surgical procedure. This procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you will not experience any pain during the process. The healing time from this procedure can take a few months as your bone fuses with the implant.
 

• Healing

After the implant is placed, your body initiates a process called osseointegration, in which your bone heals around the implant. This step can take several months.
 

• Final Placement

Once the implant is stable, a custom-made crown is attached to the implant. The new tooth will blend in with your natural teeth, restoring your smile.
 

The Benefits of Dental Implants

Some key benefits of dental implants include:
 

• Improved self-confidence
• Long-lasting and durable
• No slipping or shifting around
• Natural appearance
• Improved chewing
• Maintains bone density and protects jawbone

Aftercare and Maintenance

It is important to maintain good oral hygiene. Brush your implants two times a day and floss regularly. Visit your dentist on a regular basis for them to make sure the implant is healthy and secure. Your dentist will advise you on how to care for your implants to help them last.
 

Are Dental Implants Right for You?

Dental implants are an excellent solution for many people; however, they may not be suitable for everyone. If your jawbone is not strong enough, you might need a bone graft first. Your dentist will tell you if implants are the best option for you. They will also help you determine if the benefits outweigh the risks, taking into account your specific needs.

 

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/dental-implant-surgery/about/pac-20384622

https://dentistry.uic.edu/patients/dental-services/general-family-dentistry/guide-to-dental-implants-a-popular-option-for-tooth-replacement/