Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Among other options, dental implants could be a good decision if you are missing teeth. These artificial teeth can restore your smile and relieve the embarrassment you have been feeling. Implants are not for everyone. There are benefits and challenges to having them, so you should speak to your dentist about whether they make sense. After discussing your goals with your dentist, you can make the right decision for your oral health.

Tooth loss and the consequences

Teeth are meant to last a lifetime. However, even though teeth are made of the strongest substance in the body, they can fall out or break. Poor oral hygiene is one of the biggest causes of tooth loss. People who neglect daily brushing and flossing are prone to suffering severe tooth decay or infections. This could lead to bone loss, causing the teeth to become loose and fall out. The dentist may even have to extract the teeth if there is no way to salvage them.

People can also lose teeth from an injury. A hard blow to the face while playing sports, falling, or being involved in a car accident can knock out a tooth. Without a mouthful of teeth, the individual will struggle to eat and even speak properly. A toothless smile can also affect a person’s self-esteem.

The process of getting dental implants

To get implants, the patient must undergo a lengthy, multistep process. It begins with a consultation with the dentist where the patient learns about the procedure and what to expect during and after it. The dentist will take X-rays and make impressions before deciding whether implants are the right course. If the patient and dentist decide to do this treatment, the person comes into the office where the dentist administers a local anesthetic. Then, the dentist cuts into the gums and inserts screw-like posts deep into the jaw.

After a few months of healing and allowing the titanium posts to fuse to the bone, the patient returns to the office. The dentist cuts into the gum again, exposing the posts. Abutments are placed on the posts, and the patient goes through another healing period. The dentist then attaches crowns to the abutments.

Getting implants: the patient is missing a few teeth

Dental implants require a significant financial commitment. It may not make sense for the patient to get implants if the person has no teeth. However, for a couple of missing teeth, implants are a good option. The implants will renew the person’s smile. Implants are natural-looking and allow the individual to chew most foods.

Getting implants: for a long-term solution

Patients who need something that can last should consider dental implants. This treatment can work well for 20 years or longer. The implants are durable and can withstand wear and tear. They will last even longer if the patient commits to good oral hygiene habits and is cautious about biting into hard objects.

A viable choice for a new smile

You should not have to live with missing teeth. This can be cosmetically challenging and make it difficult to do routine things. Fortunately, dental implants can help you overcome these issues and feel good about your appearance. Your dentist can evaluate your mouth and help you know whether implants are the right choice.

Request an appointment here: https://www.diamondheaddentalcare.com or call Diamond Head Dental Care at (808) 450-2101 for an appointment in our Honolulu office.

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