For missing teeth, dental implants could be the right answer for you. This treatment is an effective way to fill in gaps in your mouth. Implants not only improve your look cosmetically, but they can restore the function of your mouth. With this treatment, you may be able to once again eat and speak properly.
Deciding which option is right
Before a patient chooses dental implants, it is helpful to consider other tooth-replacement choices. Dentists have long used dentures for patients who have no remaining natural teeth. People who like the flexibility of removing the artificial teeth may like this appliance. Crowns cover damaged or misshapen teeth. Instead of pulling a tooth, the dentist could use this cap instead. Also, bridges may be the right solution for people who have one missing tooth or a couple of missing teeth, though they do not last as long as implants.
Consultation
When a patient expresses interest in getting dental implants, the dentist will review the benefits and challenges of this treatment. The dentist may review the person’s health history as well. The patient and dentist will talk about whether this option makes sense given the person’s age, condition and financial considerations.
Preparation
Getting dental implants can take up to several months. The patient must undergo a multistep process. It begins with the dentist taking X-rays and making an impression of the person’s mouth. The patient may already have missing teeth; however, if there are any remaining severely decayed or damaged teeth, the dentist may have to pull them out at this appointment. Meanwhile, at a laboratory, a technician will start making the crowns for the implants.
First part of the surgery
At another appointment, usually about a week later, the dentist will numb the patient and make an incision in the gums. The dentist will drill into the person’s jaw and insert a titanium post. This component looks like a screw. Over the next few months, it will fuse to the jawbone and become an anchor for the rest of the implant.
The abutment
A smaller component, called the abutment, is next attached to the post. This process will occur once the patient’s gums have healed and there is sufficient bone growth. To put the abutment on the post, the dentist must open the patient’s gums once again.
Capping off the dental implants
After more healing, the patient is ready for the final part of the process. The dentist will lastly attach natural-looking crowns to the abutment. The crowns will closely resemble the person’s surrounding teeth in size, shape and color. It may take several days or a few weeks for the patient to get used to the dental implants.
A thorough process
Do not let the involved procedure scare you. Getting dental implants may take some time, but the results can be satisfying. If you take good care of the implants by brushing, flossing and eating right, they should last for years to come. Call a cosmetic dentist near you today and get started on your facial transformation.
Request an appointment here: https://www.dazzlemysmile.com or call Dazzling Smile Dental Group at (718) 841-9535 for an appointment in our Bayside office.
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