Missing teeth can affect your ability to eat properly, speak, and smile with confidence. Dental implants are a long-term reliable option for your smile restoration. They work like natural teeth and continue to support your jawbone. A dentist near you can place the implants carefully to ensure that they are secure and comfortable.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is made from titanium. This is placed inside the jaw to support a replacement tooth, bridge, or denture. In contrast to other alternatives for a missing tooth, implants bond with the bone so they are very stable and strong.
Who Needs Dental Implants?
Dental implants are suitable for people who:
- Have one or more missing teeth
- Want a permanent solution rather than dentures or bridges
- Have healthy gums and sufficient jawbone to support an implant
- Do not have medical conditions that slow healing
A dentist will check your oral health to see if implants are right for you.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants come with many advantages. Here are some of the most important benefits:
- Natural Appearance: Implants look and feel like real teeth. They’re made to match your natural tooth colour so nobody knows the difference!
- Improved Comfort: Unlike dentures that might slip, implants are secure. This means you can eat and smile without worry.
- Better Speech: Some people struggle to speak clearly with a denture. You won’t have this problem with implants.
- Durable and Long-Lasting: Dental implants are meant to last a long time, often a lifetime, with proper care.
- Bone Health: When you lose a tooth, the jawbone can weaken over time. Implants help keep the jaw strong by providing stimulation to the bone.
- Easier Eating: With implants, you can eat your favourite foods without any difficulty. There are no restrictions like there might be with dentures.
- Convenience: Implants don’t require special cleaning like dentures do. You can brush and floss them just like your natural teeth.
The Dental Implant Procedure
Now that you know the benefits, let’s look at how the dental implant procedure works. Here are the main steps:
- Consultation: Your dentist will start with a consultation. They will examine your mouth and take X-rays to check the bone structure.
- Preparation: If your jawbone needs more strength, your dentist may suggest bone grafting. This is a simple procedure that adds bone to create a strong base.
- Implant Placement: Once your jaw is ready, the dentist will place the implant in the bone. This is usually done under local anesthesia, so you won’t feel any pain.
- Healing: After the implant is placed, you will need time to heal. This can take a few months. During this time, the implant will bond with the bone.
- Abutment Placement: Once healing is complete, a small piece called an abutment is attached to the implant. This is what supports the new tooth.
- Crown Placement: Finally, the dentist will make a custom crown (the visible part of the tooth) and attach it to the abutment. Your new tooth will look and feel just like a natural tooth!
Caring for Dental Implants
Taking care of dental implants is simple! Here are some tips:
- Brush and Floss: Just like natural teeth, you should brush at least twice a day and floss daily.
- Regular Dental Visits: See your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings.
- Careful with Hard Foods: While implants are strong, it’s good to be careful with very hard foods.
- Don’t Smoke: Smoking can harm your dental implants and your gum health.
Are Dental Implants Safe?
Yes, dental implants are safe when done by a trained dentist. They have a high success rate and are made from materials that work well with the body. However, like any procedure, there are small risks, such as infection or implant failure. Regular dental visits help prevent problems.
Regain Your Smile with Dental Implants Today!
At Centre Mall Dental, we help you restore your smile with quality dental care. Our experienced team of dentists in Hamilton provides personalized treatments, including dental implants, to give you a strong, natural-looking smile. We use the latest technology to ensure safe and comfortable procedures. Whether you’re missing one tooth or several, we’re here to help.
Call us today to book your appointment! Let’s bring back your confident smile.