Conscious about your smile because of missing, malformed, or damaged teeth? Don’t worry about it. While tooth gaps can be a source of frustration, there is a popular solution to save you from this annoyance for good: dental implants.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a device attached to your jaw under the hook line and fuses to it to allow your dentist to attach a metal “root” for an artificial tooth or teeth. Dental Implants are a popular and safe alternative for standard dentures because unlike dentures they are a permanent solution for replacing the tooth.
Regular Dentures vs. Dental Implants:
Patients prefer dental implants over dentures for two reasons: aesthetics and functionality.
Implants look better and take away the patients’ hassle of always inserting, removing, and cleaning their dentures.
Dental implants allow patients to eat a broader range of foods than they could with dentures since dentures can get hard or sticky food stuck in them, while dental implants act like your natural teeth.
Dental implants require less care and maintenance and can be cleaned with brushing and flossing, but dentures require a little more time to be cleaned. A dental implant can also prevent neighboring teeth from getting into any gaps and protect your jawbone while speaking.
What are Dental Implants Made of?
Typically, dental implants and their posts are made of titanium, as it provides the best results. However, some dentists may use ceramic abutments/posts as well. The tooth (crown) itself can be made of either ceramic or porcelain as these look natural.
Your dentist may also recommend a metal crown if you are at higher risk for damaging your implants since a metal crown is harder than porcelain or ceramic.
How Can You Get Dental Implants?
The procedure takes place over several months during which your dentist will assess your need for the procedure and extract your damaged tooth.
The implant takes about 6 to 12 weeks to adjust into its place, after which the new tooth will be attached.
The implant surgery is done under anesthetic, after which you will have to use a painkiller to deal with any discomfort. Make sure to follow your dentist’s instructions carefully for aftercare and for controlling any bleeding or infection.
Caring For Your Dental Implants:
After you get your implants, you will have to take care of them like your natural teeth by brushing twice a day, flossing, and regularly visiting your dentist to get them checked. If you smoke, you may want to consider quitting since it has shown to cause damage to dental implants.
With a little care, your dental implants can last you a lifetime, without needing a replacement.
Ready to take the next step for your oral health? West Hills Smiles can help you get Dental Implants if you live in or around Woodland Hills. Just call us at (818) 346-4303 to book your appointment today with one of our licensed dentists.