Getting dental implants is a major decision. It is an invasive procedure that places titanium rods in your jawbone. The healing time will take months, but the result will be worth the wait. Understanding the process will allow you to prepare well for your procedure. Here are some FAQs about dental implants that you can ask your dentist on your next visit.
Research reveals that dental implants are the gold standard in dental replacements. The procedure provides restorations that appear, function, and feel like natural teeth. The titanium rods fuse with the jawbone and gum tissue. Each one becomes a permanent component of the mouth.
The dentist can match the color and shape of the artificial crowns to the natural teeth. This allows dental implants to blend well in the mouth. It will be difficult to tell which teeth are implants and which ones are natural. These restorations can prevent dental shifting as well. They stabilize the neighboring teeth and strengthen one’s bite.
The titanium rods help the jawbone become healthier. These rods stimulate the jawbone. This sends nutrients to the jawbone for cellular regeneration and tissue repair. At the same time, dental implants can complete one’s smile. This increases a person’s self-esteem.
Studies show that people 18 to 90 years old can get dental implants. People who have healthy jawbones can get them right away. Those who have weak, shrunken jawbones will need bone grafting before implant surgery. This treatment can strengthen and thicken the jawbone. The dental implants can then have a secure foundation after complete healing.
These dental replacements are the most natural-looking of all restorations. They stand alone. The gum tissue conceals its attachment to the jawbone. That is why these implants are indistinguishable from neighboring natural teeth. The dentist will match the color and shape of the artificial crown with those of neighboring natural teeth. It will be challenging for people to see which teeth are dental implants.
One implant can replace one missing tooth. Many teeth that are close together can use dental implants to support a dental bridge, as well as partial and full dentures. These restorations can provide more lasting support for dental bridges than natural abutment teeth. They can also provide a good foundation for implant-supported dentures. The dentist will assess if the patient is a good candidate for any of these restorations.
The surgeon will check one’s medical and dental histories. A physical dental exam can tell the dentist about the current health of the jawbone, gums, and teeth. The dentist can also order a 3-D, CBCT (cone-beam computed tomography) scan of the oral structures. This scan is important for:
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Implants in San Antonio, TX
Replacing missing teeth is possible with traditional bridges and dentures. However, these restorations are unstable. Dental implants can provide strong and secure dental replacements. Working with your dentist can help these dental replacements last for decades.
Request an appointment or call Evans Family Dentistry at 210-503-7043 for an appointment in our San Antonio office.
Gum disease, if left untreated, often results in tooth loss, leaving many patients to wonder if they can get dental implants. Even gum disease patients who do not develop the advanced form of the disease, known as periodontitis, may want to replace missing or decayed teeth with implants. Is this possible, or will unhealthy gums…
For those who severely damage or lose a permanent tooth, dental implants can restore the appearance and function of a healthy smile. This option produces a durable and more natural-looking replacement than other alternatives, such as crowns or bridges. While the treatment process can be lengthy, most patients find they can return to a normal…
For many people, dental implants are life-changing, as they drastically improve the appearance of the smile and increase overall comfort and function. That said, the process of installing implants is invasive, requiring several surgeries. As with any surgery, proper care post-implantation is key to preventing infection and ensuring the procedure’s success.Any area of the body…