Losing a tooth can be a nightmare; it can cause discomfort, pain and embarrassment – but, don’t despair, there are options! One of the more common alternatives to fix a lost tooth is dental implants, but why? Well, dental implants are one of the best and most permanent options, perhaps because of their many advantages, including the following:
They look the most natural
The crown used for dental implants is normally made by professionals, who sculpt and paint the tooth to directly match your surrounding teeth. And now more and more dental implants are made with the help of CERC technology and a new implant can be custom made for you all in one visit. Likely, your friends and family will not be able to discern your implant from your other teeth!
They save adjacent teeth
Sometimes with a bridge procedure, adjacent teeth must be filed down and used to anchor the new fixture. As a result, your perfectly healthy teeth will be affected. Dental implants however, are their own structure, meaning your dentist can preserve your healthy chompers. As well, proper dental implants have not been shown to cause any adverse side affects to your healthy teeth.
They’re permanent
Unlike with dentures, dental implants are affixed directly to the jawbone. This means you do not have to worry about taking your tooth out during the night or before meals. After all you should be able to keep your tooth where it belongs – you’re beautiful smile!
They last the longest
With proper care and regular dentist visits, dental implants can last a lifetime. Unlike with bridges or dentures, they do not require costly maintenance and it is unlikely that they will need repair.
But what’s the process?
Receiving dental implants can be a long process. It usually begins with a consultation, where the dentist will take x-rays of your mouth. The dentist will then need to determine whether your root is strong enough to hold the new structure, or whether you will need a bone graft to reinforce your bone structure. Should a bone graft be required, your mouth will have to heal before you can receive the abutment.
Once you are healed or if you did not require a bone graft, the dentist or surgeon will surgically insert the abutment into the jawbone. While a temporary crown may be placed after the surgery, the area will need a few months of healing before the permanent crown can be placed. However, after the process is over, you’ll be set with a natural-looking new tooth, that’s with you for life!
