What You Need to Know About Dental Implants
Dental implants are an exciting development in the world of dentistry. Designed to replace missing teeth, implants mimic your natural teeth in terms of shape, function, and aesthetic. In fact, your implant dentist can beautify your smile by improving the overall color, size and shape of your implant teeth. Best of all, implants are practically permanent. Unlike conventional dentures or bridges, which are susceptible to wear-and-tear, dental implants are usually trouble free.
Four Things to Know About Dental Implants
1) Dental Implants Mimic Natural Teeth
Dental implants have two basic parts: a “root” and a “crown”, just like your natural teeth. The root is made from titanium which anchors in your jaw bone. Your implant dentist will use x-rays and molds of your mouth to determine the exact placement for your implant. This will create a natural alignment and help to maintain your bone/facial structure. The crown, or the part exposed above the gum line, attaches to the implant with an invisible “abutment” to hold it tight. Implant crowns are made from porcelain or other high-tech materials.
2) Implant Crowns Are Made To Match Existing Teeth
Whether you need one, two, or a number of teeth replaced, implants can blend in perfectly. Your implant restorative dentist will beautifully match the color of the implant crowns or bridges to your surrounding teeth. When the custom made crowns are complete, they will look as good or better than your original teeth.
3) Dental Implants Are a Permanent Solution
Once the jaw bone and gums have healed around the titanium post, you will have a new tooth or teeth that look, and feel, just like natural teeth. They won’t move around when you are talking and eating. They can’t come “unglued’ when you laugh or smile wide. Best of all, you don’t have to worry about taking them out to clean them or to relieve sore gums. To date, dental implants have about a 98% success rate, which is a great outcome for your natural tooth replacement!
4) Dental Implant Maintenance = Brushing and Flossing Daily
Once you’ve been given the two thumbs up by your implant dentist, there is no special care required for dental implants. Just like with your natural teeth, it’s important to brush and floss daily, and get in to see your dentist twice a year for professional checkups and cleanings.
At NHCCD, your implant dentist and restorative dentists can give you a smile to last a lifetime. Contact us today to learn more!