Are Dental Implants Right For Me?
Dental implants create an environment for a new tooth by placing an artificial root into your mouth and affixing a porcelain cap to the fake root. Typically used as a last resort to fix an underlying issue, a dental implant acts as an artificial root. A dental implant may be the best course of treatment for your overall oral health, depending on a few different factors.
Do I need dental implants?
Many people think of dental implants as a method for dental reconstruction. While this is the main goal of dental implants, they are inserted into the jaw via minor dental surgery. The procedure involves taking the root of the tooth out and replacing it with a screw and artificial tooth. The implant will have a similar look and feel compared to your other teeth.
Types of dental implants
There are two varying types of dental implants. Endosteal, which means in the bone, is the most common type of implant dentists will use. Then there is Subperiosteal, or on the bone. Implants placed in the bone use screws that are surgically installed to create the artificial root needed to secure the tooth. Implants placed on the bone have a metal framework placed in the gums to hold and secure the tooth.
Implants are subtle
The truth is that dental implants are not noticeable from an aesthetic perspective. If you do end up needing a dental implant, your new tooth will blend in seamlessly with your other natural teeth. This will give you the confidence to continue smiling brightly and often.
Functional teeth
Unlike other dental procedures, both cosmetic and/or necessary, your dental implants will function just like your natural teeth. You won’t notice any changes in speech and you won’t have to change your eating habits. This means you can eat the foods you love without missing a beat.
The process behind getting an implant
One of the first things your dentist will do when integrating an implant is clear the environment for the implant to be placed effectively. Your dental professional may recommend eating softer foods during the healing process. The next step will happen after your jaw has healed, which takes a couple of weeks.
The bone around the implant will heal, thus fully integrating it into your oral ecosystem. This is what ultimately makes implants so strong. Now that everything is healed up, it is time to put the replacement tooth onto the artificial root.
While that may be a lot to process once you start the treatment, it goes by quicker than you think. Your dental health professional will give you all the tools you need to be as informed as possible.
If you currently have a tooth that is broken and infected to the root, you may want to look into getting a dental implant. Alternatively, if your tooth can not be saved with a root canal, your dentist might also recommend getting an implant to avoid further issues with your oral hygiene. These are just a few reasons to look into getting a dental implant and if they might be right for you.
Implant types
There are three main treatments for dental implants. The first is receiving just one individual dental implant. This process replaces a single tooth. The next is getting multiple implants at once; this is necessary when various teeth are affected by an issue. Last is a full mouth replacement; this process replaces all the teeth in your mouth and is typically done 3-4 implants at a time, depending on your dental professional.
When it comes to dental reconstruction, we’re ready and able to answer any questions you might have. At Canyon Family Dentistry & Orthodontics, we specialize in the treatment of various dental health outcomes. Our professionals are here to assist you with every step of your oral health treatment process. Call us at 702-899-0735 or book your appointment with us today!
