There are many reasons why someone might be exploring the possibility of having a dental implant. There are also lots of advantages to having one too. Dental implants are offered by Grand Parkway Smiles dentists as one solution to restore the appearance of a damaged or missing tooth. Cosmetic dentistry has long been held in the highest regard for providing patients with a beautiful smile for their entire lives.

As we age, teeth can become weaker, stained, or even damaged. Your oral health is our highest priority at Grand Parkway Smiles. Our dental experts work tirelessly to ensure every one of your teeth is clean, healthy, strong and white. We want your smile to be perfect in every way. So if one of your teeth has succumbed to damage, we look to restore your smile in the best possible way. One solution for this is a dental implant. Here are the facts you need to know about dental implants:

Why Do I Need An Implant?

There are many reasons why  dental implants will be offered as a treatment for you. Some of them include the loss or severe damage of one of your teeth. It may be missing or need to be removed for health reasons. It’s possible the tooth has been damaged and is no longer strong enough for everyday use.

Some teeth become too misshapen to bear a crown after damage. One of the most common reasons for having an implant is a painful root. If root canal work fails or is not an option, your natural tooth may need to be removed. Whenever you have a missing tooth, it can often be best to use an implant to fill the gap. This is to ensure normal chewing, and a full, beautiful smile.

What Is An Implant?

A dental implant is a Titanium screw. This is implanted in your jaw and allowed to ‘fuse’ with the bone over several weeks. You can think of it as a substitute for a tooth root. It holds in place all the way to the bone to support an artificial tooth on top. This is often the preferred choice over a bridge or removable false teeth plate.

Because the implant post is screw shaped, it can make immediate close contact with the bone in your jaw to provide comfort and stability. Over two to six months, the bone will connect with it fully. During this time, you will be fitted for an attractive artificial tooth. This is connected to the implant post. Think of the implant as the root with a protruding post above the gumline to attach your new tooth onto.

What Are The Advantages Of An Implant?

If you need to remove one or more of your natural teeth, then an implant is a good looking alternative. It also provides all the strength and function of a good quality natural tooth. An implant will even last as long as your natural teeth if you care for it just as well. They are the long-term solution to tooth loss and replacement.

Some people are not able or willing to consider root canal treatments. Instead, the natural tooth needs to be removed, leaving an unsightly gap. This gap can be filled with a natural-looking artificial tooth thanks to the implant. It may even look better than your old tooth did! You can chew as you did before and be confident in your smile looking as natural and beautiful as possible.

Are There Any Disadvantages?

Your smile will be restored, and the artificial tooth looks natural, so there are no aesthetic disadvantages to this treatment. You may find that the treatment itself takes several weeks or months to complete in total. This could involve several appointments. As with any surgery like root canal or tooth extraction, you may feel a little tender in the area for about a week.

You will also need to keep the area as clean as possible. This might require you to reconsider some of your diet choices for a short time. Painkillers can be prescribed if you feel sore. You may also want to rest immediately after extraction and implant. Once the treatment is complete, you can carry on as normal.

What Is The Procedure And Treatment For A Dental Implant?

A detailed consultation will take place. At this time, a full description of the procedure will be offered, and you can ask as many questions as you like. Your treatment plan will be presented to you, so you understand fully what to expect. Scans will be taken so everyone can see clearly what needs to be done.

Once the treatment begins, you can relax knowing that your cosmetic dentist is about to begin restoring your beautiful smile. A local anaesthetic will numb the area so you can’t feel any pain. Do you feel anxious about dental visits? You may be offered treatment to help you feel completely relaxed during the procedure.

The implant is placed and checked. Sometimes an immediate implant is offered. This provides you with a false tooth on top of the post straight away. This may be replaced later on with another one if you prefer a different look. It is sometimes preferred to wait two to three months for the implant to have connected with the bone of your jaw fully.

You will then return for checkups and to fit any permanent artificial tooth to the post of your implant. Recovery time is quick. The anaesthetic wears off in just a couple of hours. Some analgesic painkillers will help with any tenderness for the first few days. Keep it very clean for the first couple of weeks while your gumline heals. The bone will have fully connected in just a few months.

Dental implants are certainly one of the best ways to deal with tooth loss. It is preferred by many when facing an unsightly gap due to a missing tooth. Sadly, natural teeth can become damaged, or succumb to aging and gum disease. When this happens, speak to us about your options for a dental implant.
Contact the Grand Parkway Smiles Team today and schedule your consultation and find out what your smile can be like.

To learn more about dental implants visit https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dental_implant