Dental Implants Could Be the Solution for Your Missing Teeth
What's one of the biggest dental problems that Americans face? It's missing teeth. In fact, over 170 million people in the United States are missing at least one tooth, according to the American College of Prosthodontists. This same study found that over 40 million are missing all of their teeth.
The good news is that there are plenty of ways to go about dealing with missing teeth. One of the best ways is to get dental implants. These dental prostheses consist of metal posts that are screwed into your jaw. Typically, the posts are made out of titanium because it's strong and hypoallergenic. Then, artificial teeth are placed on top of the implants.
Before you find out if dental implants are right for you, it's helpful to know more about dental implants. Let's discuss more about these prostheses and the dental procedure for getting them so that you can get a better understanding.
Who Should Consider Dental Implants?
There are plenty of options when it comes to replacing missing teeth, so why should you consider dental implants over dentures or another solution? The best reason is that dental implants function more like your real teeth than other prostheses. The metal posts provide the same level of support at the roots of your natural teeth.
That said, how do you know if you are the right candidate for dental implants? In most cases, dentists look at two things: missing teeth and a strong jaw to support the implants. If both apply to you, then you might be a good candidate to get dental implants. Other factors may need to be considered as well, but your dentist can let you know of any potential problems or concerns.
The good news is that dental implants have a very high success rate. In fact, the success rate is nearly 95%. This makes it one of the most successful dental procedures that you can have done.
Understanding the Dental Implant Procedure
While the majority of people have heard of dental implants, they have very little knowledge of how inserting them actually works. The good news is that the procedure is fairly straightforward and painless. In fact, the whole process is done using only local anesthesia. It is also an outpatient procedure, which means that you get to go home after it's done. You will, however, need someone to drive you home.
To start the process, you will need to visit your Chesapeake, VA dentist for a consultation to determine if you need dental implants or not. If the dentist thinks that you could benefit, X-rays will be ordered. The X-rays allow the dentist to check the condition of your jawbone to see if it can support the implants. Plus, it gives the dentist an idea of where to place the implants.
The next step is for your dentist to place the implants. This process is quick and can be done in one visit. Afterward, you will have to wait several months before you can move on to the next step. That's because you have to allow time for the dental posts to fuse with your jaw.
Once the fusion is complete, the next step is to visit your dentist again to get your artificial teeth secured on top of your implants. These teeth will be customized to fit your mouth perfectly, and they will match the shape and color of your real teeth.
How Long Can You Expect Implants to Last?
Thankfully, you can rest assured that dental implants are a good investment. In fact, most of these prostheses will last your whole life. It's one of the reasons that most implants are made with titanium: to ensure that they last a long time.
Of course, while implants last a long time, artificial teeth might wear out over time. That generally happens with normal use. However, your artificial teeth might wear out faster if you grind your teeth a lot. Talk to your dentist about ways to prolong the life of your artificial teeth.
Also, keep in mind that you will still need to visit your local dentist for normal checkups. This is important because, sometimes, you have to get your implants adjusted. This is because your jaw can change shape as you get older.
Visit Konikoff Dental Associates for All of Your Dental Implant Needs
Do you want to see if dental implants are right for you? Give us a call. We can answer any questions that you may have. Our goal is to help you make an informed decision and come up with a solution that fits your budget.
Now is the time to get your smile back. Getting implants is a fantastic way to build up your confidence and regain a smile that you can be proud of. Contact us today to speak to our staff members. They can provide more information and set up an appointment for you.
