Making a Decision about Dental Implants

Making a Decision about Dental Implants

For many years, your only choice for replacing missing teeth was dentures or bridges. Now dental implants offer an impressive alternative. Don’t rule them out just because you don’t know what they are, what the process is, who makes a good candidate, or what the benefits include. Learn more about implants so you can make an educated decision whether they’re right for you.

Teeth can be lost or severely damaged for many reasons such as gum disease, tooth decay, or injury. Dental implants provide a solution by surgically placing a titanium root directly into your jawbone. A post connects the implant to an artificial tooth that is placed on top during a second surgery. Usually there is a delay between the first and second surgeries to allow for proper healing so that the implant is successful.

Implants offer lots of benefits. They look and feel like your real teeth, and there’s no slipping or speech problems as with other restorations. They have a very high success rate and can last a lifetime with good care. Your oral hygiene tasks are the same as with real teeth. Your self-esteem will increase with your fully restored and functional smile.

Although many people are good candidates for implants, your dentist will let you know if there are risks for you. Healthy gums are very important, so those with periodontal disease may not be suitable. There also must be sufficient jaw bone support for implants to attach successfully, or you might be able to have bone grafting done to achieve more jaw strength before implants.

Dental implants are often the ideal solution for people who are missing teeth. Even though you might be nervous about the procedure, implants provide a great way to restore your smile comfortably and naturally.

Dental Implants McDonough

Dental Implants for Patients with Anxiety

Dental Implants for Patients with Anxiety

The idea of having dental implants may cause you some anxiety. What does it involve? Does it hurt? What about recovery? Getting the answers to questions like these will help put your mind at ease and enable you to get your missing teeth restored using this great technique in dental care today.

The actual process of getting dental implants is done in several steps. First, your dentist will perform a few simple tests like X-rays or CT scans to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. Then the dentist will create a treatment plan so that the implant is properly placed and has the best chance for success. The implant will be surgically placed in a separate appointment, and your mouth will be allowed to heal for a time period. Once healing is complete, a dental crown is placed on top to complete the implant process.

Concern about the potential for pain in getting dental implants should be set aside; the surgery is practically pain-free. Dentists use anesthesia to provide complete comfort during the procedure, along with simple injections if necessary. You might feel vibrations when the new teeth are placed, but it is not truly painful. If you do experience a higher degree of anxiety about the process, your dentist may prescribe medication to calm your fears.

Recovery from dental implants isn’t bad either. Your dentist will control any discomfort with medications afterwards, but the soreness you might feel is comparable to the after-effects of having a simple cavity filled. Most patients only need over-the-counter pain relievers for the first day or two after receiving implants, if at all, and then return to normal routines and comfort levels.

Dental work can be a scary situation for patients, but knowing what to expect is helpful in reducing anxiety. Modern dentistry allows dental implants to be a life-changing way to restore your oral health.

Schedule your appointment at our McDonough dental office

Dental Implants: A Reason to Smile

Dental Implants: A Reason to Smile

Dental implants have become the standard of care recommended by dentists for replacing missing or damaged teeth. Compared to other solutions, many patients are finding that dental implants give them a reason to smile.

Realism

Dental implants provide a new tooth and root that looks, fits, functions, and feel like a natural tooth. Implants avoid the potential problems associated with some alternatives, such as trouble eating, speaking or laughing.

Durability

Dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care, making them outlast most of their counterparts which have a lifespan of up to 10 years.

Natural

Patients are able to retain their natural face shape. Missing teeth can make a person’s face look sunken and saggy, but implants allow you to maintain your proper face shape and smile.

Protective

Missing teeth may cause jaw bone deterioration or loss, but implants preserve and stimulate the natural bone. The jaw is able to maintain its strength and firmness, protecting your bone structure. Also, neighboring teeth are not affected by dental implants. Healthy adjacent teeth are not damaged and stay exactly where they should be.

Health

Cavities can’t take hold in a dental implant and crown. Proper hygiene and regular checkups should continue to ensure your mouth is healthy, but that particular tooth will not decay.

Confidence

Dental implants erase the patient’s embarrassment about their smile and give them the confidence to enjoy life again. No more worries about a big space in the smile, and no concerns that the restoration will loosen or fall out like may happen with dentures.

Convenience

There are no hassles for the patient to alter their diet because implants allow natural biting and chewing. Favorite foods can still be enjoyed with this restoration.

Simplicity

No need to remove the implants overnight for cleaning because they are permanently installed. They are a permanent solution inside the jaw and mouth.

If you live in the McDonough area, contact us today