After losing a tooth, it can be difficult to speak normally, smile with assurance, or muster the courage to go out to lunch with friends. Although one or more missing teeth can be replaced with dentures, dental crowns, and bridges, their permanence and functionality cannot compare to that of dental implants. Throughout the rest of one’s life, only dental implants can serve as a sturdy tooth root framework to replace missing teeth. Patients of various ages and  socioeconomic backgrounds can smile with confidence thanks to dental implants, which are renowned for their great quality, robustness, and natural appearance.

 

How do dental implants work?

 

Dental implants are made to feel and look like your own, healthy natural teeth, giving you a radiant smile. A small titanium post that functions as a sturdy tooth root is inserted into the jawbone to hold your dental crown or bridge in place. For patients who have lost one or more teeth due to periodontal disease, tooth decay, a dental injury, or age and are searching for a permanent dental solution, dental implants have become the standard alternative.

 

The Effects of Losing Teeth

 

Living without a full smile can be uncomfortable or annoying, but missing teeth can also have health effects. Many people are unaware of how losing teeth affects their oral health until they experience dental issues like gum disease or TMJ pain. Since tooth loss can cause the remaining teeth to slip or slide out of place, causing a misaligned bite, as well as tooth decay and oral infections, expert dental knowledge is required for practical examination and treatment.

Your family dentist in Big Bend, our team, has years of experience helping people who have lost teeth get better dental and general health.

 

What Benefits Do Dental Implants Offer?

 

No other type of restorative dental therapy can maintain the smile’s beauty and functionality the way dental implants can. Following treatment, patients may experience one or more of the following advantages of dental implants:

• Won’t move or shift in a spot like a partial or full denture
• By design, more tooth preservation than conventional bridgework. • May support an implant-retained denture or a fixed dental bridge.
• Appear natural, fit comfortably, and endure forever.

As dental implants can be tailored and adjusted to look and feel exactly like your natural healthy teeth, they are a breakthrough tooth replacement solution. Dental implants replace some of the daily tasks associated with removable dentures and require little to no modification to appropriate oral hygiene practices. Like you would with your natural teeth, regularly brush and floss your teeth. After obtaining dental implants, you may forget you ever had a missing tooth.

 

Do I Had to Have Dental Implants?

 

At Virtue Dental in Big Bend, Dr. Jones is committed to providing each patient with relaxing procedures that enhance their health and sense of well-being. When you visit for a dental implant, Dr. Jones will thoroughly assess your oral health and medical background to determine whether dental implants are a good option for you. While not everyone is a good candidate for this operation, Dr. Jones and his associates will work with you to identify your best dental options. To schedule a restorative dental consultation in Big Bend, call (262) 662-1111.

 

How Do Dental Implants Function and What Are They?

 

Dental implants are composed of two components. The implant is a titanium screw-shaped device that is surgically inserted into your jawbone and gums to serve as an artificial tooth root. The implant can then support a restoration that is implant-supported. But, many implants can also repair many teeth and support dental bridges or dentures. Dental crowns are often used to replace a single tooth.

 

If you have been given the go-ahead for a dental implant, Dr. Jones will schedule your initial appointment. The implant will be put into your jaw after your mouth has been cleaned and numbed. After that, your mouth will be cleaned and sterilized before being sent home to recover.

 

The Process of Recovery

 

In contrast to the “osseointegration,” or merging of your implant with your jawbone, which takes 3-6 months, the initial healing phase only lasts a few weeks. During this time, you will have a few follow-up visits at Virtue Dental. In order to establish the restoration process, a third-party lab will receive images and imprints of your teeth from the dentists  Dr. Jones.

 

Once your mouth has healed and your implant-supported restoration is finished, you will come in for your last appointment. In order to complete the procedure and restore your smile, we shall fasten your repair to your implant.

 

Dental implants vs. dentures

 

Dental implants can often be replaced with dentures. In contrast to partial dentures, which can only replace one or two lost teeth, a whole arch of dentures can be used to replace all the teeth in the upper, lower, or both arches.

 

Compared to dentures, dental implants have a number of benefits, such as:

 

• Totally natural appearance and feel – Dental implants look and feel far more like real teeth than dentures.
• Longer longevity – Dental implants can last up to 30 years, but most dentures only last 5-7 years with proper maintenance.
• Stimulate your jawbone – Unlike dentures, dental implants stimulate your jawbone in the same way that a natural tooth would, assisting in maintaining the strength of your jaw.

 

Dental implants do have some disadvantages, though, particularly when compared to dentures.

 

• Initial expense – Dental implants are more expensive up front than dentures, and insurance rarely pays for them.
• Lengthy process – Obtaining dental implants may take 3-6 months or longer, therefore patients must have patience during the surgery.
• Not suited for everyone – If you have gum disease or a weak jaw, you might not be a good candidate for dental implants.

 

Dental implants vs. dental bridges

 

With a dental bridge, two sound “abutment” teeth are supported by two crowns. These crowns “bridge” the space left by your missing tooth by holding a pontic (artificial tooth) in place. One or more missing teeth on either side can be replaced with bridges.

 

Compared to dental bridges, dental implants have the following advantages:

 

• Preserves the strength of your jaw – Just like dentures, dental bridges don’t stimulate the jaw tissue underneath, leading to bone loss. On the other side, dental implants maintain the health of your jaw.
• Does not require the removal of healthy enamel in order to install the abutment crowns — Healthy enamel must be removed from your teeth in order to trim them in order to insert the abutment crowns. A dental implant eliminates the need for this.
• Easy to clean and keep – Dental implants are a great deal simpler to clean and maintain than dental bridges.

 

Dental Implants in Big Bend: What to Expect?

 

Because each patient is unique, there will be variations in dental implant treatment plans and schedules. Also, some patients might feel more comfortable using different forms of sedation dentistry to make them feel calm and relaxed throughout the implant placement procedure. Call (262) 662-1111 to schedule a consultation with Virtue Dental about getting dental implants for a more attractive and functional smile.