Dental implants are a fantastic option for anyone looking to improve the appearance, feel and function of their smile. Whilst this process is a bit of an undertaking, the long term results and overall restored comfort and confidence will be more than rewarding. Whether you’re about to dive into your dental implant process or you’re simply looking to gather more information to equip yourself with a good amount of knowledge as you head into your dentist to inquire about dental implant services, this guide is going to be great for you. Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about getting dental implants fitted…
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial teeth that are surgically placed and rooted into your jaw through a titanium metal screw. This is placed into your jawbone beneath your gums during surgery. Once they have been placed, they provide a sturdy, solid foundation for a replacement crown to be fitted over the top. Dental implants look and behave exactly as natural teeth would, and can be shade matched to suit the rest of your smile. You may have a single dental implant fitted or multiple depending on your unique needs.
Who is Eligible for Implants?
Dental implants are a great option but that does not mean that they are going to be suited to everyone. An initial consultation with your dentist will help you to decipher whether implants are going to work for your circumstances. X rays will likely be taken to asses your jaw and teeth health. Due to the surgical nature of the procedure, your overarching medical history will also be taken into account. Factors such as gum health, adequate mouth space, commitment to care and smoking will also factor into whether you are a good candidate for dental implants or not.
What Does the Process Look Like?
After an X ray has been taken and your suitability for dental implants has been determined, you can start to begin the process. The surgery is performed by creating an incision in your gum, embedding the implant through a metal screw which is placed into your jawline and closing the incision using stitches. A local anaesthetic will be used to ensure that you do not experience any pain or discomfort during the process. Pain is highly unlikely.
How Long will My Implants Last?
With proper aftercare and diligent dental upkeep, your dental implants can last you for a full lifetime.
What Aftercare is Involved?
You must care for your dental implants as you would for your natural teeth. This means regular brushing, flossing, cleaning and rinsing as well as committing to frequent check ups and cleans at your dentist.
What are the Advantages of Dental Implants?
Your dental implants will look, feel and function just like a natural tooth, this is one of the biggest benefits and it is the reason why they are as popular as they are. They are permanent, comfortable and really completely unnoticeable once you are used to your new implant. Your confidence will be completely restored with a full, sparkling smile that is going to stay with you for a lifetime.
By now you should have a good idea of whether dental implants are going to be the right option for you. If you feel that you would be a good fit for dental implants, head to your dentist for a comprehensive consultation. Here you will get all of the crucial need to know information including cost, procedure specifications and timelines for your unique circumstances. Book in with your dentist to start exploring your options for dental implants now.
