How Dental Implants Restore Your Smile and Enhance Your Confidence
Nov 01, 2020
A fantastic smile is a great feature to have. It makes your personality friendly, warm, boost your confidence, and enhance your overall facial appearance.
It is usual for adults to have missing teeth. Modern technology has provided the necessary tools needed to provide replacements that blend seamlessly with the rest of the teeth, depending on your preference.
Dental implants are an example of the treatment options made possible by modern technology.
What are Dental Implants?
It is possible you have heard of implant treatment but still find yourself undecided on whether it is the one for you. We shall provide more information about the treatment to help you make the decision.
During the procedure, biocompatible metals are placed in your jawline through surgery. Their biocompatible nature allows these materials to fuse with the jawbone. In essence, dental implants act as roots since they anchor artificial teeth to your jaw.
There are two major types of dental implants:
- Endosteal implantsThese are the most popular type. With endosteal implants, the biocompatible material is lodged in your jawbone.
- Subperiosteal implantsThese implants are not fixed into your jawbone.
Initially, titanium was the only metal used to make implants. In recent years though, Zirconia is also used for the treatment.
The titanium implants constitute of the following:
- Titanium post which is lodged into your jawbone to act as an anchor.
- The second part is the abutment, which acts as a link between the titanium post and dental prosthesis.
- Lastly, we have the prosthesis. This part is screwed to the abutment. It can be a crown, denture, or bridge.
Ideal Candidate for Implants
According to Dr. Cecilia Sorelle, a dentist at St. Petersburg, the following factors must be considered to qualify a candidate for implants:
Age
Adults have a higher success rate compared to teenagers and children. The bones of the children and teenagers are yet to develop, which lower chances of success for the procedure altogether.
Bone health
Your bone starts to deteriorate once you lose a tooth. For this reason, your dentist is forced to assess whether you have enough healthy bones for the procedure.
However, avoid implants if:
- You suffer from diseases like diabetes and heart disease.
- Recently, you have undergone radiation therapy in the area around your neck
- You are an avid smoker
The Procedure
To understand how this treatment helps save your smile lets first discuss the steps involved:
- The first step is a consultation. If you have missing teeth, visit a dental clinic. After examining your X-rays and accurate 3D images, the professionals will discuss the implant treatment options available for you. You are then going to decide on a plan for the placement.
- After the consultation, your next visit is going to be for surgery. We will use the best sedation option to ensure you experience the least level of discomfort during the procedure.
Post-surgery discomfort like swelling and slight bleeding won’t last long. Most over the counter pain killers help you relax.
- After surgery, the implant gradually fuses with the jawbone. Your gums and jawbone will take time to heal. For proper healing, it is wise to avoid hard foods during the first few weeks. You must also adhere strictly to your doctor’s instructions and prescriptions.
- With the gums and jawbone healed, the abutment is fixed on the implant, slightly above the gum line, making the implants ready to anchor bridges and crowns.
How Implant Treatment Saves Your Smile
A fantastic smile offers many benefits to its bearer. These benefits include:
- Enhanced confidence
- A great smile helps you make a better first impression
- Incredible smiles also improve your overall facial appearance
Now that we have identified a few of the benefits of having a terrific smile, let’s discuss how implants save your smile:
- Implants are durable replacements for missing teeth giving you an appealing smile. It is uncomfortable for most people to smile with missing teeth.
- Unlike dentures, implants are permanent. Meaning you don’t need to take them off when eating at a gathering.
- Implants have an appearance very similar to that of natural teeth, which gives you a genuine smile.
Other Benefits of Implants
Other than restoring your smile, implants have other benefits. These benefits include:
- With proper care, implants will last for a lifetime.
- Implants allow you to chew as you usually do since they are just as firm as your natural teeth.
- They are comfortable.
- Unlike ill-fitted dentures, you need not worry about slurring or mumbling words caused by teeth slippage since implants are sturdy and stable.
- The treatment is the only one that preserves your born.
If you are considering getting the treatment or need more information about it, visit us at Dental Arts Ninth Street in St. Petersburg.