Dental Implants Can Replace Missing Teeth

Dental Implants replace can missing teeth, permanently!

Did you know…

1. Dental implants may look like a screw, but are not “screwed in.” They are placed by an oral surgeon into a prepared cavity that your bone knits around. It takes approximately three months to integrate into the bone. It is then restored with a crown by your dentist.

1. Dental implants are not painful. True, it is surgery, and there may be some nominal discomfort associated with the surgery, but the extent to which this procedure will hurt will depend on  the difficulty of your unique situation, your ability to heal well, and the skill and training of your oral surgeon. Pain should not be a factor in your decision-making process. In fact, most patients end up using over-the-counter pain relief such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen after surgery.

1. Implants are made of titanium, the same material used in joint replacements. A typical implant consists of a titanium screw, which resembles a tooth root with a roughened or smooth surface. Most dental implants are made out of commercially pure titanium, which is available in 4 grades depending upon the amount of carbon and iron contained. More recently grade 5 titanium has increased in use.

There are many advantages to dental implants, not the least of which is improved appearance. Dental implants look and feel like your own teeth. And because they are designed to fuse with bone, they become permanent. Other advantages include –

• Improved oral health. Dental implants don’t require grinding down other teeth, as bridges do. Because surrounding  teeth are not altered to support the implant, your other teeth are left intact, improving long-term oral health. Implants also allow easier access between teeth, improving oral hygiene.
• Improved self-esteem. Dental implants can give you back your smile and help you feel better about yourself.
• Improved speech. Teeth can slip within the mouth with poor-fitting dentures causing you to mumble or slur your words. Dental implants allow you to speak without the worry that teeth might slip.
• Improved comfort. Implants eliminate the discomfort of removable dentures because they become a part of you.
• Easier eating. Loose dentures can make chewing difficult. Dental implants function like your own teeth and allow you to eat your favorite foods with confidence and without pain.
• Convenience. Removable dentures are just that; removable. Dental implants eliminate the embarrassing inconvenience of removing dentures, as well as the need for messy adhesives to keep them in place.
• Durability. Implants are very durable and will last many years. With good care, many implants last a lifetime.

Learn more at our office!

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