It’s important to take care of one’s teeth, not only because they serve an important function, but because they are also necessary for a confident, beautiful smile. Unfortunately, not everyone is lucky enough to have a strong set of teeth, and many are making the switch to dental implants. Despite practicing stellar dental hygiene throughout life, it is still possible to lose teeth to gum or tooth weakness, or even to an accident. No matter what the reason, most people find it important to find a proper replacement for those missing teeth. While dentures are a simple alternative for replacing missing teeth, many people are making the switch to implants, which are quickly becoming a more convenient, permanent solution. The providers at Synergy Periodontics and Implants can tell you more about it. 
The Denture Drawback
Dentures are a popular way of replacing missing teeth. They are simple to insert, and look realistic enough to pass as real teeth. However, dentures do have their drawbacks. Often dentures become loose and begin to slip out of place. This may be due to something as simple as constant use, or due to changes in one’s gums. When gums shrink, which they do when they no longer need to support real teeth, dentures are no longer well supported and slip. No one wants to be at lunch and suddenly realize their teeth aren’t where they should be.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants offer a durable and long-term option for replacing missing teeth. They are small posts or screws implanted in the jawbone with a replacement tooth, or teeth, fitted over them. Consider the posts or screws as artificial roots for your new teeth. The replacement tooth is actually a crown that is permanently applied to the post and looks and acts just like a natural tooth.
They are made from biocompatible materials, such as titanium, which integrate seamlessly with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration. This creates a strong and stable foundation for the replacement teeth, ensuring they remain secure and functional for many years. Unlike dentures or bridges, they do not rely on adjacent teeth for support, which helps preserve the health and integrity of your remaining natural teeth.
The procedure for getting implants typically involves several stages, starting with a thorough examination and planning phase. Your dentist will assess your oral health, take necessary X-rays or scans, and develop a personalized treatment plan. The implant placement is usually performed under local anesthesia, ensuring minimal discomfort. After the implant is placed, a healing period is required to allow the bone to fuse with the implant, which can take a few months.
Once the implant has successfully integrated with the jawbone, the final step involves attaching the custom-made crown to the implant. This crown is carefully designed to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth, providing a seamless and aesthetically pleasing result. With proper care and maintenance, these implants can last a lifetime, making them an excellent investment in your oral health and overall well-being.
These implants offer numerous benefits, including improved appearance, enhanced speech, increased comfort, and better chewing efficiency. They also help prevent bone loss in the jaw, which can occur when teeth are missing for an extended period. Overall, these implants can significantly enhance your quality of life by restoring the function and aesthetics of your smile.
The Advantages
With dental implants there’s no worry about artificial teeth sliding out at inopportune moments which can cause difficulty eating, speaking, and overall frustration. There will no longer be a need for dental adhesives or the hassle of taking teeth out in order to thoroughly clean them. These implants can be brushed and flossed the same as real teeth, making maintenance simple! They are very strong, and with proper care, will last for the rest of your life. Making the switch to these implants ensures that your smile is both beautiful and stress free.
Preparing for Dental Implants
It’s important to set up a consultation with your periodontist to ensure that dental implants are a possible alternative. In order to have a successful implant, one must have healthy gums, free of periodontal disease. In addition, one will need to have a series of X-rays completed in order to ensure there is a sufficient amount of jaw bone. Having a strong jaw bone is vital to supporting an implant.
A strong, healthy set of teeth is important. Consider making the switch to dental implants as a permanent solution for missing teeth. Our providers at Synergy Periodontics and Implants are experts in the placement and care of dental implants.
Ready to make your smile picture perfect? Contact us today!