“How Do Dental Implants Work?” & All Your Other Important Dental Implant Questions Answered

Are you considering a dental implant procedure to replace a missing tooth or teeth? This procedure can restore your smile and reignite your confidence, allowing you to retain your natural face shape. But while it’s a great option, it can be difficult to know if it’s the right one for you. This is why dentists recommend doing some research before you settle on a solution to replace your missing teeth. When making this decision, it can be helpful to familiarise yourself with the process, benefits and cost associated with a dental implant procedure.

What Are Dental Implants & How Do They Work?

A dental implant is a piece of material, sometimes titanium, that is inserted into the jaw where the missing tooth’s root had been. Over the following months, bone grows around the implant and helps to hold it in place. An artificial tooth, or crown, is then placed over the implant to fill the gap. This crown is designed to look similar to the remaining teeth, blending seamlessly into the mouth. Unlike dentures, dental implants cannot be easily removed. They are fixed into the jawbone in a series of minor operations known as a dental implant procedure.

Are Dental Implants Worth It?

Dental implants are almost always successful and have several benefits that help them to stand out against other options.

They’re Durable & Long-Lasting

Dental implants are a long-term solution. While they may need adjusting over the years, they will last many years if they receive proper maintenance and care. By comparison, dentures are extremely fragile, and even the traditional, tooth-supported dental bridges only last around 15–20 years. Dental implants operate the way any normal tooth would, with equal strength and stability within the mouth. These replacements will look, feel, fit and function like your other teeth.

They’re Easy to Care for & Hard to Lose

Since dental implants don’t need to be taken out of your mouth, they are also less likely to get lost or broken. You also won’t have to worry about soaking them every night — simply brush and floss in and around the area as you would with any other tooth.

They Don’t Impede Your Ability to Eat or Speak

Dental implants allow you to move forward with your life without the burden of teeth concerns or insecurities. Unlike partial dentures, dental implants don’t affect your ability to speak clearly or eat crunchy, sticky or generally hard-to-chew foods. You won’t have to worry about an implant slipping or falling out while you talk, laugh and eat. Dental implants mean freedom!

There’s No Risk of Cavities

As an added bonus, cavities can’t occur within a replacement tooth. However, you should continue to care for it as you would any other tooth to ensure your dental implant lasts a long time.

They Protect Your Jawbone

You may know that, as an adult, leaving a gap in your teeth can lead to health issues. If you don’t replace a missing tooth, you could experience the loss or deterioration of some of your jawbone. Parts of the jawbone that aren’t being used to support a natural tooth can lose their strength and firmness. Dental implants preserve and stimulate natural bone, helping to encourage bone growth and prevent bone loss. This is an extremely valuable trait that is unique to dental implant procedures.

They Don’t Have a Negative Impact on Surrounding Teeth

The process of installing a tooth-supported bridge involves grinding away at the teeth on either side of it. This procedure causes harm to the surrounding teeth, whereas fitting a dental implant doesn’t negatively affect those teeth at all.

They’re Reliable & Predictable

Dental implant procedures have a long and successful history. They are generally considered to be long-lasting, reliable and more predictable than other treatment options.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Dental Implants?

The main downside of dental implants is that they are expensive. They can cost thousands of dollars. However, you really are getting what you pay for. It is a good idea to look into the exact pricing before you go ahead with the procedure.

What Can I Expect During a Dental Implant Procedure?

A dental implant procedure can be quite lengthy, but it is ultimately pretty painless. The first thing you can expect is for your dentist to take a series of scans and x-rays. This is so that they can get a clear image of where exactly your implant should be placed. They then fit the implant into the jawbone during a minor operation, which will probably require anaesthetic. The bone will then be left to grow around the implant for a few months.

Once the dentist is satisfied that the implant is stable, they will create a foundation for the artificial tooth or teeth. The new tooth, which has been made to match the colour, shape and size of the surrounding teeth, is then screwed into the foundation.

Fantastic Dentists in Berwick

If you have any further concerns, you can always speak to a professional or book a consultation. The experienced dentists at Langmore Dental provide dental services at Berwick area and would be happy to help you in your journey to tooth restoration. Contact us today to find out more about dental implant procedures in Berwick!