The popularity of dental implants has exploded over the past few decades, and it isn’t hard to see why. These remarkable prosthetic appliances look, feel, and work just like real teeth so that patients can maximize their chewing power and enjoy having beautiful and natural-looking complete smiles. Here’s a brief guide to dental implants, how they are placed, and how long they can last as well as a few tips for helping them last longer.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a restorative appliance consisting of a titanium post, a dental restoration, and an abutment piece connecting the two together. Titanium has the incredible ability to fuse with living bone tissue through the natural process of osseointegration, making it especially useful for the placement of prosthetic devices. After it is surgically placed in the jaw, the titanium post will integrate with the surrounding bone structure, creating the sturdy foundation the implant needs to function just like a real tooth once the abutment piece and the restoration are attached.
How Are Dental Implants Placed?
Dental implants are placed through a specialized multi-step process that begins with a consultation with your dentist to determine if you can be a good candidate. If you’re not ready for dental implants then, you may be able to receive them later after undergoing preliminary procedures like gum disease therapy or bone grafts.
Once you’re approved for a dental implant, your dentist will begin the procedure by administering a local anesthetic to render the process painless, and you may also receive a sedation treatment if necessary. Once you are comfortable, your dentist will make a small incision in your gum tissue and place the implant in the jawbone.
After the jaw has had three to six weeks to heal, you’ll come back in for another minor surgical procedure that places the abutment piece on the post. After you’ve recovered from that treatment, your artificial tooth, denture, or dental bridge will be fixed upon the implant or implants.
How Long Can Dental Implants Last?
One of the most significant advantages of dental implants is that they can last for thirty years or more if they receive excellent care, and they only require the same oral hygiene regimen as real teeth to stay healthy. This means you’ll only need to brush, floss, and use antibacterial mouthwash while making smart eating decisions and keeping up with your regular dental appointments to keep your new teeth in amazing shape for the longest time.
Dental implants offer an amazing range of oral health and aesthetic benefits. Consulting with your dentist can help you determine if these lifelike and functional prosthetic devices may be the best way to replace your lost teeth.
About the Practice
Sweet Smiles Dental Design offers the finest oral health services available in Castle Rock. Led by Drs. Alison Fitzgerald, Jay Lopez, and Kate Urie, the staff makes every effort to ensure that each patient receives outstanding oral care and exemplary customer service. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as dental implant services. To book your dental implant consultation, contact the practice online or dial (303) 688-9519.