Did you know that among adults between the ages of 35 to 44, almost 70% have lost at least one permanent tooth? Losing permanent teeth is very damaging to a person's smile, and it's a common misconception that fixing a smile is something that is very costly and requires many trips to the dentist. Ever since the invention of dental implants (and mini-implants), millions of people around the world have used them to fix their smiles permanently, cost-effectively, and in fewer visits.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are essentially artificial roots made of titanium metal. Some of the benefits of using titanium are: it is good at resisting corrosion, it is easily accepted by the human body, and it can be tightly integrated into the jaw for a stable connection. The root then holds the replacement tooth (which is carefully created to match your natural teeth) in place for that perfect smile!
Dental implants are a great solution for anyone who needs to replace any number of teeth or doesn't want to use dentures. Dentures are also used to replace missing teeth, but they can require a lot more maintenance than implants, and can be more uncomfortable for some people due to slippage (as they are secured with adhesive rather than inserted into the jaw).
What are the benefits and drawbacks of implants?
Dental implants are a very easy way to attain your dream smile! Some of the benefits include:
There are only a few drawbacks of implants, and many of these can be minimized by having a trusted and skilled team of professionals, such as ours, complete the work. Getting implants installed can sometimes lead to infection within the gums, but this risk is very low. The recovery time after getting implants can also take up to six months, but with proper care and maintenance, it can be even quicker!
What can I expect throughout the process of getting implants?
Before you decide on getting implants, you will need to visit a dentist to check your teeth, gums, and jaw and determine whether your mouth is healthy enough to allow the insertion of implants. If implants are installed on a weak jawbone, this will cause additional work such as replacing the weakened bone, which can be rejected by your body.
If your dentist approves your dental implants procedure, congratulations! You should be provided with comprehensive information about how to prepare and take care of your implants, but an important point to keep in mind is that you may need to fast on the day of the procedure if you are undergoing sedation. You should also wear comfortable clothing and find a ride for the way home, as you may feel groggy and tired.
After the procedure, make sure to eat soft food such as smoothies and soups for the first week, or until your dentist recommends. Get lots of rest because you may experience a little bit of discomfort for a few days. It would really help to take a few days off from work or other commitments beforehand. Most importantly, follow the instructions from your dentist, as they will provide you with the most personalized and accurate information for your procedure!
Some myths and facts
There are many myths surrounding dental implants, so we wanted to make sure you are informed of the most correct information before making decisions. One of the most common myths is that implants are only for young people. In reality, people of any age can fully benefit from getting implants! Another myth is that the process of installing implants is painful, but the truth is that anesthesia is used to ensure that patients don't feel pain! Finally, many people think that others will notice if you have implants in your smile, but they look just like natural teeth (even you may not be able to tell the difference!).
We hope that you are able to make an informed decision about getting dental implants after reading this article. For any other questions, please contact our office!
