Missing teeth can be distressing since it may take away the spark from your smile, in addition to challenges associated with mastication, speech, and facial structure. But, thanks to modern dentistry that offers innovative and permanent teeth replacement procedures such as dental implants.
Implants offered by the family dentist in Leesburg are extremely durable and long-lasting. These can bring about a complete transformation of your facial aesthetics.
Dental implants are permanent restorations
Dental implants are advanced artificial devices or posts that mimic tooth roots to provide anchorage to crowns, replacing your missing teeth. These are made up of titanium alloys, which are biocompatible with your jawbone. The screw-like posts can easily fuse with the jawbone over a period of time through a process called osseointegration.
Currently, dental implants are gaining momentum
Millions of dentists recommend dental implants when compared to dentures since they offer several benefits. These include:
- These are durable and last as long as 10 to 15 years
- Prevents bone loss
- Enables natural speech
- Facilitates easy chewing
- Supports adjacent teeth
- Provides a permanent solution to tooth loss
- Improve your overall oral health
- enhances your facial aesthetics
- Boosts your self-confidence
- Require low maintenance
- Prevents premature skin sagging created by the missing space
Dental implants – the procedure involved
Your dentist will first examine your oral cavity to assess the number of missing teeth. Later on, the health of your jawbone will be evaluated through a dental X-ray. This is to determine the amount of bone thickness present. You may require bone grafting (for insufficient bone thickness) or extraction of tooth remnants before you proceed with implants.
The procedure is as follows:
- You will be given local anesthesia to numb the area around your missing teeth.
- Your dentist will make an incision over the gums to expose the underlying jawbone.
- Tiny holes will be drilled with rotary instruments, and the implant post will be inserted.
- After a period of 4 to 5 months, once the implant fuses with the jawbone, oral impressions will be taken.
- These impressions will be sent to the lab for fabricating a dental crown that fits over the implant.
Caring for your dental implants
Dental implants usually require minimal post-care, which includes the following:
- Brush your teeth twice daily
- Floss regularly
- Avoid chewing anything hard, especially a few weeks after you get your implant
- Get professional dental cleaning at least once every 6 months
Takeaway
Dental implants are versatile prostheses that can effectively mimic tooth roots, providing anchorage to the newly fabricated crown. These are durable, long-lasting, and a permanent solution to missing teeth, greatly improving your oral form, function, and facial aesthetics.
