Health

What You Should Know About Dental Implants

What You Need to Know About Dental Implants

Damaged and missing teeth can affect how you feel, eat and speak. They also affect your oral health. In the past, you may have had to get a bridge or wear dentures, but today, you have the option of getting dental implants. Before you search for local providers, such as dental implants Brooklyn, these are some things you should know about this option.

What They Are

Dental implants are natural-looking “teeth” that are secured into your jaw using a titanium screw. They are inserted under the gum line. Your jaw then grows up around the screw, securing the tooth into your mouth like the root of your natural teeth. Because of their benefits, many people now choose implants over dentures.

The Process

If you are considering dental implants, you should know the process. First, your damaged tooth and root will be removed. Your jawbone will then be prepared. For example, if you have lost bone density, rigidity or volume, your bone may be grafted. Then, the titanium screw will be placed deep into your jawbone.

The dentist will wait for your jawbone and gums to heal before placing the crown or abutment into your mouth. The jawbone must grow up around the screw before the tooth is placed. However, you may receive a temporary denture to improve the appearance of the implant temporarily. When the tooth is placed, your gums are reopened and closed around the abutment.

You may experience bruising and swelling in your gums and face as well as pain and minor bleeding at the implant site. Typically, you will be required to eat soft foods for a while until you are healed.

The Benefits

Dental implants can be created for one tooth or a number of teeth. They are made to blend with your natural teeth, so they look great. After you are healed, they are comfortable. They feel no different than your natural teeth because they don’t shift or rub against your jaw and other teeth. They are strong and durable, so you can chew and bite like normal. Missing teeth and shifting dentures affect your speech, but implants are like real teeth, so they improve your speech.

Because of their structure, they benefit your oral health and prevent bone loss in your jaw. They will also promote bone growth. They are low maintenance and long lasting. In fact, if they are cared for properly, they should last your lifetime.

Are you frustrated or embarrassed by missing or damaged teeth? Ask your dentist about dental implants.