Dental implants are replacement teeth that are surgically inserted into the jawbone to replace missing roots. These artificial teeth look and feel like your natural ones, and they can restore chewing ability as well as improve your overall appearance. If you are looking for a skilled Sarasota Dental Implant Specialist, visit https://www.thesarasotadentist.net/dental-implants/.
Whether you have one tooth or many, missing roots can lead to bone loss around the missing tooth. This can cause adjacent teeth to shift position, which can result in misalignment and an uneven smile. Having gaps in your mouth can also change the shape of your face and give you a sunken-in appearance that makes you look older than your actual age.
To prevent bone loss around missing teeth, a titanium rod is placed inside the socket where the tooth was located. The implant stimulates new bone growth in the area through a process called osseointegration, which can keep the jawbone from resorbing and losing its support.
The insertion of the implant is performed in a minor surgery that takes place in the office of your dentist. It may take several months for the bone to heal and for the implant body to become solidly fused to your jawbone. Once the bone has fully healed, a permanent dental crown or another type of restoration can be attached to the implant and your smile restored.
Your implant should last a lifetime as long as you maintain excellent oral hygiene and practice regular visits with your dentist for cleanings. Brushing and flossing with a specially designed brush and other techniques recommended by your dentist can help prevent stains and bacteria from getting under the gum tissue or under the metal posts, which can shorten the life of an implant.
If you are a good candidate for dental implants, your dentist will plan the procedure with the assistance of specialists. The team will involve a doctor who specializes in conditions of the mouth, jaw and face (oral and maxillofacial surgeon), a dentist specializing in treating structures that support the teeth (periodontist), and a prosthodontist, who will design and fit your new dental prosthesis.
The team will perform a comprehensive oral health exam and review your medical history to assess whether you are a good candidate for dental implants. If you are, your dentist will use dental X-rays and models of your mouth to create a treatment plan that fits your needs.
You will likely have some pain after your procedure, but it should be mild. Pain medications may be prescribed to relieve this pain and any swelling or discomfort that might occur. If these medications don’t relieve your symptoms, you should contact the dentist as soon as possible.
A successful dental implant can give you a beautiful, healthy smile that you will love to show off! Having a full set of teeth can also enhance your confidence and boost your self-esteem.
Missing teeth can also cause your other teeth to shift and lean inward, which will impact their alignment. This can make your bite misaligned and hinder your ability to eat certain foods or speak clearly.