
If you have lost a tooth, a dental implants near you is an ideal solution that helps restore your smile. They are strong alternatives that look and feel like real teeth. The following guide describes what dental implants are, how they are placed inside your mouth, their advantages, and how to properly care for them after the procedure.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a metal post a dentist inserts into your jawbone to provide excellent and strong support for artificial teeth, also known as crowns. If you lose a tooth or have a missing tooth, your dentist might advise you to have an implant.
When Does a Dentist Recommend Dental Implants?
A dentist suggests implants for patients with one or more missing teeth and who prefer a long-term solution that feels and functions like natural teeth. Here are some general reasons they might recommend implants:
- Missing Teeth: When a tooth is lost due to trauma, decay, or other reasons, a dental implant can fill in the gap without damaging adjacent teeth.
- Loose Dentures or Partials: If the fit of your dentures does not feel right, implant-supported dentures offer stability to keep them in position.
- Infected or Damaged Tooth: In case the tooth is infected or damaged severely and requires removal, replacing the implant will help to prevent future oral problems.
- Jawbone Health: Missing teeth can lead to bone loss in your jaw. Implants help keep the bone healthy by acting like natural tooth roots.
- Improving Speech and Eating: If missing teeth or loose dentures make it hard to talk or eat, implants can make these activities easier and more comfortable.
Before choosing implants, your dentist will first check if your gums are healthy and if you have enough bone to support the implant. Your dentist will also consider your overall health and habits, such as smoking, that may affect healing.
Remember, dental implants are a big decision. All available options should be discussed with your dentist to choose the most suitable solution for your oral needs.
The Process of Getting Dental Implants
Getting dental implants in New Westminster involves several steps. Here is a simple breakdown:
- Consultation: You’ll visit the dentist for a check-up. They’ll examine your mouth and discuss if implants are right for you.
- Placement: In a minor surgery, the dentist puts the implant into your jawbone. This may require some local anesthesia (medication to numb your mouth).
- Osseointegration: It refers to the implant fusing to your jawbone. That takes a few months to happen.
Abutment: A small connector goes (placed) on top of the implant. - Crown Placement: Finally, the dentist places a crown (the part of the tooth that can be seen) on the abutment.
Benefits of Dental Implants
- Natural Look and Feel: Dental implants are designed to look and feel like your own teeth. They match the colour and shape of your other teeth, so no one can tell the difference.
- Strong and stable: Since the implant fuses with your jawbone, it provides a strong base for the new tooth.
- Protects Jawbone: The bone in the area can shrink over time when you lose a tooth. Implants help keep the bone healthy by providing the stimulation that natural tooth roots give.
- No Impact on Neighboring Teeth: Unlike some other tooth replacements, implants don’t require support from the teeth (adjacent teeth) next to them so your natural teeth are left intact.
Aftercare Tips for Dental Implants
- Brush and Floss Daily: Keep your implant clean by brushing at least twice a day and flossing once a day, just like you do with your natural teeth.
- Regular Dental Check-ups: Visit your dentist near you regularly for check-ups and cleanings to ensure your implant stays in good condition.
- Avoid Hard Foods: Be careful with very hard foods like ice or hard candies, as biting down on them can damage your implant or surrounding teeth.
- Quit Smoking: Smoking can slow down healing and may cause implant failure. If you smoke, consider quitting to keep your mouth healthy.
Is a Dental Implant Right for You?
Dental implants are an excellent option for many people, but they’re not suitable for everyone. Good candidates have healthy gums and enough bone to hold the implant. Your dentist will evaluate your oral condition and discuss the treatment plan for you. If you’re considering full mouth dental implants near you, it’s important to consult with a qualified dental professional to determine if this option is right for you.
Ready to Restore Your Smile With Dental Implants?
Belmont Dental Centre offers quality dental implants that can help you regain your smile and confidence. Our dentist in New Westminster uses the most modern technology to ensure that the implants look and function like your natural teeth. We give personalized care in a comfortable setting and guide you through every step of the dental process to ensure favourable outcomes from the procedure.
Ready to regain your smile? Call Belmont Dental Centre now!