3 Things To Know About Dental Implants
If you have just gone to the dentist to have a tooth pulled, your dentist may have talked to you about dental implants. As one of the best options to help you restore your mouth and your smile, dental implants have several benefits. But, before you decide for sure whether or not you want dental implants or if you want to go another route, research the option. This article will take a closer look at this oral prosthesis so you can make an informed decision.
They Are Practically Permanent
Other options that your dental implant provider may discuss with you include dental bridges or dentures. Although both of these options can be great at restoring the appearance of your smile, they aren't quite as permanent as dental implants. With dental implants, your dentist will surgically implant a dental rod into your jawbone, which will act as your tooth's root. Then, as long as your gums have healed properly around that rod, your dentist will then go in and place a crown on top of it. The great thing about that is that it will blend in with the rest of your teeth so that it doesn't look like you've had anything done.
They Can Restore Your Smile
Not only will having a missing tooth make you look a little disheveled, but it can also cause deterioration in your jawbone that can cause your teeth to shift and become crooked. When you get a dental implant, you can prevent against these things from happening so that you don't have to have more extensive dental work done later on down the line.
They Take a Little Bit of Time to Heal
As previously mentioned, the first part of the dental implant process is to implant a metal rod into your jawbone. In between this step and the step where a crown is installed will take several months. Why? Because your gums will have to fully heal around your dental implant post. During this time, patients are encouraged to keep the area really clean and to avoid any foods (like popcorn) that may get lodged in between the gums and the implant post.
Now that you know a little bit more about dental implants, it may be time to schedule an appointment with your dental implant provider. Often, this procedure may be covered in full or in part by your dental insurance because it is seen as a lot more than just cosmetic.
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