Smiling is one of our most innate gestures—that is, unless you’ve lost teeth. Flashing a smile with missing teeth can cause feelings of insecurity, low self-esteem, and overall self-consciousness.
However, losing teeth can affect more than your self-esteem. It can create difficulties with chewing food and even talking.
Thankfully, there are other alternatives to going through the world with missing teeth. You can get your smile back and bring back your confidence with a quick dental procedure involving dental implants.
What are dental implants? They are the gold standard in tooth replacement procedures due to their natural appearance, durability, and dependability.
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What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is an artificial tooth that’s designed to look like your natural teeth. Unlike dentures and crowns that sit on top of your gums, dental implants are permanently attached to your jawbone.
Dental implants can be used for a single tooth or multiple teeth. They are commonly made from titanium screws with a crown placed on top to look like natural teeth.
Dental implants are the only tooth replacement procedure that protects against bone loss. Additionally, dental implants won’t damage healthy teeth. That is why many organizations recommend dental implants as a standard tooth replacement solution.
What Do Dental Implants Treat?
Dental implants are made to replace missing or damaged teeth.
Missing teeth can lead to bone loss, difficulties with chewing food, and eating a balanced diet. The jawbone needs the chewing motion to help stimulate it and keep it healthy and strong. Without this action, there is a significant chance of bone loss.
Since dental implants are attached to the jawbone, they can replicate natural teeth while preventing bone loss. Additionally, dental implants offer the comfort of natural teeth, making it easier to chew, talk, and eat a well-balanced diet. If you’re planning to have dental implants, try to visit a dentist in Rock Hill SC.
What Is the Procedure?
Dental implants are done routinely and are a common procedure. The procedure involves a five-step process.
1. Preparing for Dental Implants
During your first visit, the dentist will take x-rays of your jaw to ensure the perfect treatment for your mouth. They may use CT scans for 3D mapping of your jaw. This will ensure the proper treatment for long-term success.
2. Implants
On your follow-up visit, the doctor will prepare for implants. They will be surgically inserted into the jawbone with a temporary crown. The procedure can be completed while you’re awake, or if you like, you can have an anesthetic and wake up to a perfect smile.
3. Healing
After the implants are in, you’ll have a period of recovery, usually lasting anywhere from six to eight months. During this time, your bone will grow around the implant securing it in place. This will also be a time to make decisions on the color of your tooth to best match your mouth and implant position.
4. Final Crown
Using impressions from your teeth, we insert your final crown. The crown is custom-made for your smile and is usually ready three months after your initial appointment.
5. Show Off Your New Smile
Once your dental implants are securely in place, all that’s left to do is enjoy your new smile. You’ll be amazed at how natural it feels. Click here to learn more about dental implants.
Get Your Smile Back!
Hopefully, you no longer have to ask: what are dental implants? We hope this article helps you make the best decision for your needs and unique circumstances.