Dental implants have revolutionized restorative dentistry, offering a durable and aesthetically pleasing solution for replacing missing teeth. At High Desert Dental, we specialize in providing dental implant services that not only restore function but also enhance the natural beauty of your smile. Here’s what you need to know about this transformative dental solution.
1. What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are titanium posts surgically inserted into the jawbone beneath the gum line. This post functions as a tooth root and provides a strong foundation on which a replacement tooth or a bridge can be mounted. Implants do not come loose like dentures and can last a lifetime with proper care.
2. Benefits of Dental Implants
• Natural Look and Feel: Dental implants are designed to look, feel, and function like your natural teeth.
• Improved Oral Health: Unlike a dental bridge, implants do not require reducing other teeth, as a tooth-supported bridge does. Because nearby teeth are not altered to support the implant, more of your own teeth are left intact, improving long-term oral health.
• Durability: Implants are very durable and will last many years. With good care, many implants last a lifetime.
• Improved Comfort: Because they become part of you, implants eliminate the discomfort of removable dentures.
• Easier Eating: Sliding dentures can make chewing difficult. Dental implants function like your own teeth, allowing you to eat your favorite foods with confidence and without pain.
• Improved Self-Esteem: Dental implants can give you back your smile and help you feel better about yourself.
3. The Procedure
Getting dental implants involves several steps:
• Initial Assessment: We conduct a comprehensive examination to determine if you are a suitable candidate for implants. This includes assessing your oral health and the density of your jawbone.
• Implant Placement: The implant post is surgically placed into the jawbone where the tooth is missing.
• Healing Process: After the implant is placed, the healing process, known as osseointegration, begins. During this phase, the jawbone grows around the implanted metal post, anchoring it securely in the jaw.
• Abutment Placement: Once the implant has bonded with the jawbone, a small connector post called an abutment is attached to the post to securely hold the new tooth.
• Artificial Tooth Placement: An artificial tooth (crown) is then made and attached to the abutment.
4. Aftercare and Maintenance
Taking care of dental implants is similar to taking care of natural teeth. Brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups are essential for maintaining the health of your implant. Our team at High Desert Dental will provide detailed aftercare instructions and schedule follow-up appointments to ensure your implant is functioning well.
5. Who Can Get Dental Implants?
Most people who are healthy enough to undergo a routine dental extraction or oral surgery can be considered for a dental implant. Patients should have healthy gums and enough bone to hold the implant. They also must be committed to good oral hygiene and regular dental visits. Heavy smokers, people suffering from uncontrolled chronic disorders—such as diabetes or heart disease—or patients who have had radiation therapy to the head/neck area need to be evaluated on an individual basis.
Conclusion
Dental implants are a safe, well-established treatment that’s been around for over 30 years. They are the strongest devices available to support replacement teeth and even better, they allow these new teeth to feel, look, and function naturally. If you’re considering dental implants, High Desert Dental is here to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring the best possible results for your smile and health.
