Welcome to Arcadia Perio, where your oral health and smile are our top priorities. Today, we’re delving into the world of dental implants, a revolutionary solution for restoring missing teeth. Whether you’ve lost a tooth due to injury, decay, or periodontal disease, dental implants offer a durable and aesthetically pleasing option. In this post, we’ll explore what dental implants are, how they work, and answer some common questions to help you decide if they’re right for you.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots, typically made from titanium, that are surgically placed into the jawbone beneath your gums. Once in place, they allow your dentist to mount replacement teeth onto them. Because implants fuse to your jawbone, they provide stable support for artificial teeth, ensuring that bridges and dentures mounted to implants won’t slip or shift in your mouth—a significant benefit during eating and speaking.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
- Improved Oral Health: Unlike traditional bridgework, dental implants do not require reducing other teeth, as more of your own teeth are left intact, enhancing long-term oral health.
- Enhanced Comfort: As they become part of you, implants eliminate the discomfort of removable dentures.
- Easier Eating: Sliding dentures can make chewing difficult. Dental implants function like your own teeth, allowing you to eat your favorite foods with confidence and without pain.
- Durability: Implants are very durable and will last many years. With good care, many implants last a lifetime.
- Improved Self-Esteem: Dental implants can give you back your smile and help you feel better about yourself.
The Procedure
The process of getting implants requires a number of visits over several months. X-rays and impressions (molds) are taken of the jaw and teeth to determine bone, gum tissue, and spacing available for an implant. While the area is numb, the implant will be surgically placed into the bone and allowed to heal and integrate itself onto the bone for up to six months. Depending on the type of implant, a second surgery may be required in order to place the “post” that will hold the artificial tooth in place. After healing, the artificial teeth are made and fitted to the post portion of the anchor.
Comprehensive Q&A
Q: Who is a good candidate for dental implants?
A: Almost anyone who is missing a tooth, teeth, or even complete dentures can be candidates for implants. You need to have sufficient bone and healthy gums to hold the implant. A thorough evaluation by a specialist like those at Arcadia Perio will help determine whether you are a good candidate.
Q: Are dental implants painful?
A: Most people who have received dental implants say that there is very little discomfort involved in the procedure. Local anesthesia can be used during the procedure, and most patients report that implants involve less pain than a tooth extraction.
Q: How successful are dental implants?
A: The success rate of dental implants varies, depending on where in the jaw the implants are placed but, in general, dental implants have a success rate of up to 98%. With proper care (similar to the care for natural teeth), implants can last a lifetime.
Q: Can dental implants help if I have dentures?
A: Yes, implants can be used to support permanently cemented bridges, eliminating the need for a denture. The cost is usually greater, but the implants and bridges more closely resemble the feel of real teeth. Dental implants can also be used to secure dentures, making them more comfortable.
Q: What is the care required for dental implants?
A: Dental implants require the same care as real teeth, including brushing, flossing, rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash, and regular dental check-ups.
Conclusion
Dental implants are a sophisticated dental treatment that requires careful consideration and skilled execution. At Arcadia Perio, our team is committed to providing you with the highest quality care in the field of periodontology and implant surgery. If you are considering dental implants, we invite you to book a consultation to explore how we can help you restore your smile and your confidence.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact us today. We look forward to helping you achieve a healthier, more complete smile at Arcadia Perio.