Replace Missing Teeth With Dental Implants
Do you have missing teeth? If so, you are not alone. In fact, it's one of the most common dental problems that Americans face. The American College of Prosthodontists states that at least 170 million people in the United States are missing at least one tooth. To make matters worse, around 40 million people are missing all of their teeth.
You will be happy to hear, however, that there are a number of ways of dealing with missing teeth. While dentures and bridges are popular options, they don't offer as many benefits as dental implants. Actually, dental implants can provide the strength that your real teeth offer.
That said, what are dental implants? They are metal screws that are placed into your jaw. Most of the time, the metal screws are made out of titanium because this metal is strong and hypoallergenic. Then, your dentist makes artificial teeth to place on top of the metal posts.
Are dental implants right for you? To answer that question, you have to learn more about dental implants.
Who Can Get Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a common dental procedure, and the vast majority of people can get them. To get these devices, you have to be missing teeth or planning to have some teeth removed. Second, you need a jawbone that's strong enough to support the implants. Since the metal posts have to be screwed into the jaw, some people with bone problems can't get implants.
If you can get dental implants, you should consider doing so. After all, dental implants offer a number of benefits that you can't get from bridges and dentures. For example, they provide a level of support and strength that matches your natural teeth because the metal posts are screwed into your jaw. This allows you to eat the food that you want without having to worry about your artificial teeth coming out.
How Does Getting Dental Implants Work?
Thankfully, getting dental implants is pretty straightforward. However, there's a process that you have to go through. Since some people don't know this process, they shy away from dental implants. Let's talk a bit about this process so that you will see you have nothing to worry about.
The first step is to make an appointment with your Georgia dentist. This appointment will work as a consultation. During your visit, your dentist will explain dental implants and help you determine if they're a good fit for you. If you both decide that you're a good candidate, then you can move forward with getting X-rays of your mouth. These images are used to assess the condition of your jaw as well as determine the best places to put the dental prostheses.
When it's time to get the implants put in, you won't have much to worry about. The whole process is quick and doesn't cause any pain. As a matter of fact, dental implants are an outpatient procedure. This means that you will be returning home as soon as the implants are put in. Also, the procedure is done with local anesthesia only.
With the screws in place, you will have to wait for the healing process to complete before you can get your artificial teeth. It can take several months because you have to wait for your jaw to fuse with the implants. Once the process is done, though, you can move on to having your dentist place your artificial teeth. These teeth are customized and will look identical to your real teeth.
Do Dental Implants Last a Long Time?
Yes, dental implants last a long time and are a good investment. In fact, the metal screws typically last a lifetime if you care for them properly. Your artificial teeth, however, might need to be replaced from time to time. This is normal because artificial teeth can wear down over time with normal use.
That being said, you will still need to visit your Georgia dentist regularly for dental checkups. During these checkups, the dentist will check the state of your artificial teeth and dental implants. As your jaw changes with your age, you may need to get the implants adjusted. With regular checkups, your dentist will be able to spot any changes that need to be made before they become bigger issues.
We Are Here to Help
Do you want to see if dental implants are the best way to replace your missing teeth? If so, reach out to us today. At Imagix Dental, we provide people living in and around Georgia with dental services of all kinds, including dental prostheses.
Don't wait another day to get back your beautiful smile. Dental implants can rebuild your confidence. Give us a call, and we can answer any questions you may have about this and other solutions for replacing missing teeth.
