Your Guide to Dental Implants: Procedure and Benefits
If you have missing teeth in your smile, you may want to consider the benefits of dental implants. While treatment for dental implants can span anywhere between 5 and 13 months, the results are worth the wait.
Not only do dental implants look natural, but they also feel natural and function the same way as your natural teeth. To determine if you are a candidate for dental implants, we recommend you consult with an experienced dentist in Columbus, Ohio.
In this blog post, we will explain the procedure and so you can feel informed and confident when seeking dental treatment. While the cost of dental implants is higher than most other types of dental restorations, many patients appreciate how natural they look and function.
Dental Implant Procedure
In order to properly secure your false tooth, your Columbus dentist will drill a hole through the gum line into the jawbone where the implant will be inserted. A protective cover is then placed over the implant.
The dental implant is a titanium rod that’s designed to act much like a natural tooth root. Over the next three to six months, you’ll need to wait for the dental implant to anchor to the jawbone in a process called osseointegration.
Once the dental implant has properly fused with your jawbone, you’ll be able to move on to the next step. It’s important to understand that a long waiting period is necessary to make sure the dental implant integrates with your jawbone.
Otherwise, the dental implant will fail. The next part of your dental implant procedure involves placing an abutment and dental crown over the implant. The dental crown is the visible portion above the gum line that looks like a natural tooth.
Advantages of Dental Implants
Durable
because they are meant to imitate the full function of a natural tooth. Unlike dentures that sit on the surface of your gums, dental implants are fused with your jawbone and are incredibly stable. Make sure you take care of your dental implant the same way you do with your natural teeth so that they last you a lifetime.
Easier When Eating
Dentures have the tendency to slip slightly when trying to eat. Dental implants, on the other hand, function as a natural tooth and don’t move. Since your dental implant is rooted into your jawbone, you can enjoy your favorite foods without the worry of denture slippage.
Improved Speech
When people get dentures for the first time, they have to relearn how to talk. This is because your lips, cheeks, and tongue have to get used to speaking around a new oral appliance.
However, dental implants act as a natural tooth so you don’t have to worry about speaking with a slight lisp or practicing pronunciation. However, it should be noted that first-time denture wearers are able to speak properly with little practice.
Better Appearance
Dentures that don’t fit properly aren’t able to effectively mimic the appearance of natural teeth, especially if they are constantly slipping. However, your new dental implants will be a stable tooth restoration fused to your jawbone. For this reason, dental implants look and feel natural.
Bone Loss Prevention
The cells in your jawbone require stimulation from tooth roots; otherwise, your jawbone will start to deteriorate. To prevent jawbone deterioration, we recommend dental implants. Dental implants fuse with the jawbone and create enough pressure to simulate natural tooth roots. If left untreated, jawbone deterioration can lead to further tooth loss or even facial collapse.
Schedule an Appointment
If you are interested in our dental implant service, please feel free to call our Columbus dentist at (614) 878-9562. Dr. Adam Gibson DDS strives to help patients restore smiles through dental implant procedures and other restorative dental services.
Related Blog Posts
3 Signs You Need Dental Implants
Dental Implant Frequently Asked Questions
How Missing Teeth Can Affect Your Health
This blog post has been updated.