Your smile plays an important part in your confidence. Having a full, healthy-looking smile can really make a person feel great. One thing that can boost your smile is teeth whitening though sometimes a person can end up needing a few teeth replaced for another reason. When that is the case, confidence can take a major hit.
One option for people to turn to is dental implants. It is the closest thing a person can get to actually having a natural tooth. Is it the right option for everyone? Here is a closer look.
What are dental implants?
Implants are going to look a lot like a cylinder or screw that act as natural tooth root replacements. They can be used on uppers and lowers. Made out of titanium and other very durable materials, they can last a lifetime if properly treated.
How are they attached?
Each dental implant is attached to the jaw bone and healthy gum tissue that surrounds it. It acts as a base for the tooth, and then a dental crown is added to complete the look. Each implant is initially screwed in, allowing for the area to stay healthy near the gum area. After the first surgery, a person needs to wait anywhere from 3 to 6 months while the tooth fuses to the bone. This process is referred to as osseointegration.
After that process is over, the dentist then needs to add an extension to the implant. This is not always needed, as sometimes the implant and post can be installed during the initial surgery together. Regardless, it does take time to get from surgery to the dental crown part of the process. The area needs to properly heal and show that it can take the implant.
Are dental implants permanent?
Unlike other popular options for teeth replacement, a dental implant acts as a permanent solution. There is no taking them out at night, special cleaning or other steps that need to be taken. Once they are properly put in, they function just like standard teeth.
Who can get dental implants?
Dental implants can really change the lives of a lot of different people. There are very few requirements for having success with the implants. Every candidate needs to have healthy gums and a good amount of bone strength to support the implant.
Some people deal with bones in the area that are a little too thin or not strong enough to support an implant. When that is the case, a person can instead go for a bone graft or a sinus lift beforehand.
How do dental implants change a person’s life?
Right before the surgery, and during the recovery process, a person will notice that they need to change their oral hygiene and eating habits a little bit. There is going to be some soreness, and it is very beneficial to let the implant area heal as much as possible.
Once the healing process is over, dental implants will only make a positive change in a person life. Having implants can improve confidence, make the mouth more efficient and help with overall oral hygiene. Many people who get dental implants instantly change their habits to protect their new investment. Practicing better oral hygiene by brushing, flossing and more on a regular basis.
Anyone who feels like they may be a candidate should mention dental implants to their dentist the next time they have a checkup.
