Dental Implants: Find Out How They Work
If you have lost a tooth, you do not have to deal with a gap forever. Consider dental implants, which are permanent prosthetic teeth that look just like real ones. The best part is that they are not susceptible to cavities, and are quite durable.
As a child,
losing a tooth is a normal part of life since a new one will simply grow later. However, losing teeth as an adult is not normal, and can leave you with permanent spaces that make it obvious that something is missing. Fortunately, dental implants are available to fill in those gaps, so find out about this type of treatment before you give up hope of having a perfect smile.
Teeth can be lost due to all sorts of incidents. Falling or being hit hard in the mouth is obvious causes, but there are others, as well. A root canal gone badly, extreme decay, or gum disease are other ways that some adults may lose at least one tooth. Aside from the obvious appearance issue, gaps can make it difficult to talk or eat, which means that dental implants can solve several problems at once.
An implant is a permanent solution, and is considered stronger than a bridge or denture. It looks exactly like a real tooth, so it will not be obvious that you have had work done. It is mostly made of a crown and a titanium screw, which makes it quite durable. This treatment can be performed in a single day, but it will take time to heal, like any procedure.
A small hole will be drilled into the mouth where the gap is, and the screw will be inserted. Of course, it takes some skill to do this well enough to not endanger the surrounding teeth or jaw, so be sure to select a dentist that has plenty of experience performing this treatment.
After the implant is inserted, a protective cover screw will cover it for a few months while the area heals. Once it is removed, a temporary crown will be placed on the implant, and will allow the gum to grow around it naturally. Once that step is complete, a permanent crown will replace it.
Clearly, the entire process of inserting dental implants can take several months, though initially placing the screw and temporary pieces in the mouth takes just a day. Dental implants will not work for everyone, nor do all dentists have the experience to properly complete them.
For this reason, be sure you pick a dentist that you trust to perform this treatment, and ensure that it is the right procedure for you before you commit to it. If you take these tips into consideration, you will likely be happy with your new tooth.
