Dental Implants
If you have a missing tooth, you may have searched for “dental implants Charlotte NC.” A dental implant is usually a solution to a lost or missing tooth.Today’s implants look like a regular tooth. In fact, it is the closest thing to having your real, natural tooth back. Instead of a partial denture that might shift, the implant stays in place.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental Implants are made from biocompatible titanium, and they integrate into your jaw bone like the root of your original tooth. A dentist places a post or abutment inside the implant and then attaches a crown.
While there are a few different types of implants, the basic structure is something like this:
- The implant post that your dentist fuses to the jawbone. This is where the stability associated with implants comes from.
- An abutment is placed at the top of the implant post. Its purpose is to hold together the implant and the crown.
- A crown that looks like a natural tooth is attached via the abutment.
The completed implant functions like a normal tooth and looks like one too. You resume your normal dental hygiene program by brushing your teeth and flossing around the implant. When well cared for, an implant is durable and long-lasting.
People enjoy implants for their attractive appearance and the ability to return to normal function.
Benefits of Dental Implants
A well-placed implant helps support dental appliances like bridges, crowns, and partial and full dentures. It also helps prevent the bone loss that occurs when a tooth is missing. An implant serves as a substitute for the root of the tooth.
Benefits of dental implants include:
- An increased ability to bite down and chew food properly.
- Get rid of the hassle of dealing with dentures or missing teeth.
- Stop bone loss that happens when a tooth is missing.
- Have a secure structure to support crowns, bridges, and dentures.
- Help maintain a more youthful face as bone loss can result in a “sunken” or hollowed look and face sagging.
- Implants are durable and, with proper care, could last a lifetime.
- Improve speech as sometimes missing teeth can negatively impact speech.
- Improve your confidence in your appearance and your smile.
- Prevent future dental problems that could result from a missing tooth.
As mentioned, replacing a missing tooth can prevent future dental issues. The teeth may continue to shift when a tooth is missing, resulting in overcrowding of teeth, larger gaps forming, and other misalignments. The missing tooth may also increase the risk of tooth decay, receding gums, and gum disease.
How to Know if You Are a Candidate for Dental Implants
As we've previously stated, dental implants are a great way to replace lost teeth because they provide long-term advantages and a natural appearance and feel. However, not everybody is a good fit for this treatment. Determining if dental implants are correct for you might be aided by knowing the requirements and prerequisites.
First and foremost, candidates for dental implants must be in good overall health. Uncontrolled diabetes, heart disease, and other systemic disorders can exacerbate the healing process and raise the likelihood of implant failure. It is critical to share your entire medical history with your dentist. Also, smoking can impede healing and increase the risk of implant failure. Non-smokers or those willing to quit smoking during the implant process are better candidates.
Secondly, healthy gums are essential for the success of dental implants. Gum disease or periodontal issues can undermine the stability of the implant. If you have gum disease, it must be treated before you can proceed with implants.
This is not common knowledge: dental implants require enough bone density and volume to firmly anchor the implant. If you have bone loss due to missing teeth, periodontal disease, or other causes, you may require a bone graft before implants can be placed. Bone grafting is a procedure that adds bone material to your jaw to create a stable foundation for the implant. Your dentist can determine if this is necessary through imaging studies.
Finally, while there is no upper age limit for dental implants, candidates should have fully developed jawbones. This typically means that implants are not recommended for younger teenagers. Older adults in good health are often excellent candidates for implants.
What to Expect During an Implant Procedure
Your first step towards receiving dental implants is to schedule an examination and consultation. Your dentist will assess whether implants are appropriate for you. They may look at the health of your gums and surrounding teeth.
Sometimes you may need additional treatment before you are ready to receive an implant. For example, if you have gum disease that first needs to be resolved, you might need a bone graft if you have experienced significant bone loss already. Every mouth is unique, so the process must always start with an exam and/or consultation.
People sometimes ask whether getting an implant is painful. Your dentist will apply an anesthetic to numb the area.
The dentist then precisely cuts a tiny hole in the gums and carefully drills a hole to place the implant post. Once the implant posts are in place, you will have to heal for at least 3 months. After healing, the dentist then places the crown, which will look and feel much like a natural tooth.
Afterward, you may need a few days to weeks to fully heal. During that period, follow your dentist's advice for the smoothest process. You may need to avoid chewy or hard foods while your gums heal. Once they are healed, you may resume your normal diet.
Discover Lifestyle Benefits with Dental Implants
Dental implants provide several lifestyle advantages that can greatly improve your overall well-being. They not only restore the function and beauty of your teeth but also improve many elements of your daily life. Here are several important ways dental implants can improve eating and speaking abilities, as well as self-esteem and quality of life.
One of the most immediate benefits of dental implants is increased chewing efficiency. Unlike dentures, which can shift and slide, dental implants are firmly embedded in the jawbone. This stability enables you to bite and chew food with the strength and precision of real teeth. You can eat a larger range of foods, including those that are crunchy or difficult, without fear of discomfort or slippage.
Missing teeth or ill-fitting dentures may impair your ability to communicate clearly. Dental implants function similarly to natural teeth, providing the required support for your lips, cheeks, and tongue. This support allows you to articulate your words more clearly and confidently. Whether you're presenting a professional presentation or chatting with friends, your speech clarity will increase significantly.
Additionally, dental implants seem and feel like real teeth. They are custom-made to match the color, shape, and size of your existing teeth, ensuring a smooth integration into your smile. This natural appearance can significantly boost your self-esteem because you no longer have to worry about gaps or missing teeth. You will feel more at ease smiling, laughing, and participating in social interactions.
Schedule a Consultation
The team at Southview Dentistry proudly serves Charlotte-area residents. We love transforming our patient’s smiles and restoring good oral health.
If you need implants or a new dentist, contact us today to schedule your appointment.
