Dental Implants: Are They Right for You?

You have several options to consider when replacing your missed or damaged teeth. However, one option that stands above the rest is a dental implant. It guarantees more benefits compared with options like dentures and bridges. Knowing whether dental implants are a suitable tooth replacement for you can be challenging despite its advantages.

You need to learn various aspects about it, from its definition, how long the dental implants last, what you need to do if you need to restore your dental implant, and more. Find out more about these in this informative article from Dalton Dental.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are artificial teeth that dentists surgically install into the jaw using screw-like devices. The dentist inserts the dental implant into your jawbone to anchor the artificial tooth or crown. The tooth and implant are then connected using a device called the abutment. The crown can be custom-made to fit your mouth and match your teeth naturally. They also feel and function similarly to natural teeth.

Dental implant options vary from one implant to four and multiple teeth. Depending on what you choose, dental implants are a life-changing tooth replacement option that helps people with missing teeth regain their confidence with a comfortable, excellent, long-lasting tooth replacement alternative.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

Dental implants last between 10 to 30 years. Therefore, depending on the age you choose to get them, you can have them for a lifetime. There’s no other tooth replacement option that could last for that long.

Dental implants last long due to their design and material. The entire implant consists of a crown (what we see from the outside), an abutment, and the implant root. The implant root is made from titanium with ridges that are surgically screwed into the jaw bone. The titanium is biocompatible, allowing it to fuse with the bone a few days after the dental implant procedure to create a stable foundation for the crown. This process is referred to as osseointegration. It may take a few months, but once the implant root fuses and bonds with the bone, it will last many years.

Please note that dental implants last based on the steps you take to maintain them. Some of the basic maintenance practices include the following:

• Brushing and flossing your teeth
• Visiting the dentist at least every six months
• Avoiding smoking
• Living a healthy lifestyle

What Can I Do If I Need My Dental Implants Restored?

If you need a dental implant restoration, you should first schedule a consultation with your general dentist. This will help you evaluate your issue and determine whether you should get a dental implant restoration. Your initial consultation will also help the dentist decide whether or not you need a bone grafting procedure if you have notable bone loss or if there’s any periodontal disease that needs treatment before starting the dental implant restoration process.

These steps will help you prepare for your dental implant restoration:

• Plan the procedure at a time you know will allow convenient recovery
• Shop for soft foods that are easy to eat beforehand
• Find ways to relax before the procedure
• Avoid eating anything before the procedure
• Arrive early for the appointment

Dental Implant Restoration in Tampa

A dental implant restoration offers the perfect way to restore your appearance and maintain good oral health. It also provides benefits like longevity and fits naturally to your mouth like your teeth.

Are you looking for a reliable dental clinic in Tampa, FL, for your dental implant restoration? Dalton Dental is here to help. We offer a unique dental implant restoration process known as mini dental implants. This process is less invasive, faster, and hurts less than the standard procedure. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Hilary Dalton, DMD, MS

Dr. Hilary Dalton owns Dalton Dental, a general and cosmetic dental practice in Tampa, FL. She is board-certified in Periodontology & Dental Implant Surgery and in Procedural Medicine in Aesthetics.

She also holds certifications in microsurgery, laser proficiency, Invisalign, master esthetic facial injector, PRP, and facial laser.

She graduated from Tufts University’s School of Dental Medicine in Boston with an award for Outstanding Leadership and Extraordinary Clinical Achievement.

To learn more about Dr. Hilary Dalton, visit our About page.

The post Dental Implants Restoration appeared first on Dalton Dental.

Implants are a type of dental restoration used to replace missing, damaged, or severely decayed teeth. Dental implants replace the entire tooth, including the root, making them a good choice in cases when the root of the tooth has been compromised. Additionally, implants are made to look and feel like a natural tooth, restoring the beauty of your smile along with the function of the damaged or missing tooth. 

Beyond simply replacing a gap in your smile, dental implants can also protect the health of the jawbone. Here, we’ll discuss the impact of a missing tooth on your jawbone and how dental implants can protect the jawbone against damage. 

Dental Implants and the Jawbone

Dental implants are fused to the jawbone through a process called osseointegration; osseointegration stimulates bone growth around the dental implant fixture. This fuses the implant fixture to the jawbone, giving it durability and strength.

This process of placing implants can prevent problems with the jawbone caused by missing teeth, including:

Jawbone Deterioration

When a tooth and the root are damaged or missing, the jawbone is no longer stimulated. As a result, it will start to deteriorate and weaken, which can cause functional problems and may cause the remaining teeth to shift.

The bone growth triggered by the placement of dental implants prevents lost bone mass in the jawbone. This will help preserve the strength of the jawbone and the position of the other teeth in the mouth. 

Facial Structure

By stimulating bone growth, dental implants can keep your facial structure intact. When missing teeth are left untreated, a loss of bone mass can diminish the structure of the face and jaw, giving the face a sunken and aging appearance. With the bone growth provided by dental implants, however, it’s possible to prevent lost facial structure and retain your appearance despite missing or damaged teeth. 

If you have a missing or severely damaged tooth, schedule an appointment at Dalton Dental today. We offer dental implants, including mini-implants, to restore your smile and preserve the health of your jawbone. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Hilary Dalton, DMD, MS

Dr. Hilary Dalton owns Dalton Dental, a general and cosmetic dental practice in Tampa, FL. She is board-certified in Periodontology & Dental Implant Surgery and in Procedural Medicine in Aesthetics.

She also holds certifications in microsurgery, laser proficiency, Invisalign, master esthetic facial injector, PRP, and facial laser.

She graduated from Tufts University’s School of Dental Medicine in Boston with an award for Outstanding Leadership and Extraordinary Clinical Achievement.

To learn more about Dr. Hilary Dalton, visit our About page.

The post How Dental Implants Keep Your Jawbone Strong and Healthy appeared first on Dalton Dental.