If you’re on a journey to smile restoration, you’ve likely heard about dental implants and the role they play in rebuilding broken and incomplete smiles. Capable of mimicking the look, feel, and function of natural teeth, dental implants are a fantastic option for many smiles needing some restorative maintenance. If you’ve begun to consider dental implants for yourself, it’s possible that you’re already on the journey to rejuvenating your smile with this long-term option that boasts a number of advantages and oral health benefits. Having said that, effectively moving forward on that journey is best done with the proper knowledge and guidance.
Knowing what questions to ask will help you obtain the information you need to understand the ins and outs of dental implants and what they can do for your smile. Here’s our list of eight of the most important questions to ask to get you started.
8 Questions to Ask Before Getting Your Dental Implants
- How are dental implants different from dentures and crowns? Though dental implants, dentures, and crowns are each utilized to correct broken, damaged, or missing teeth, each has a slightly more specific purpose that should be carefully considered. Crowns are custom-made from highly-durable material and are typically utilized to cover a misshapen, discolored, broken, or damaged tooth. Made to look like a natural tooth and match its durability, crowns can last for several years with proper oral hygiene.
Dentures, on the other hand, are used to repair a smile where gaps or broken teeth come into play. Though made to look like a natural smile, dentures are a removable option and therefore come with limitations. Dental implants are the most permanent solution in smile restoration. Attached by a metal post, an implant is inserted into the socket where the missing tooth once sat. Once attached and healed, dental implants allow patients to have a beautiful, functional smile. - How is a dental implant inserted? A dental implant procedure is typically divided into four steps. During the first phase of the process, a titanium implant will be screwed into the socket where your natural tooth previously sat. The next step of the procedure allows time for this titanium piece to integrate into your jawbone, while simultaneously providing your gum and jaw time to heal. The third step of the procedure involves attaching a small metal piece that will connect your implant to a custom-made crown. With the last step of the process, the permanent false tooth will be attached.
- How will a dental implant benefit my oral health? Along with restoring your smile, dental implants allow significant advantages that can be beneficial to your overall oral health. One of these benefits is the ability of an implant to protect the integrity of your jaw bone. When missing teeth are not replaced, the jaw bone that once held the tooth begins to weaken. With an implant in place, this weakening process is prevented. Another advantage of dental implants has to do with enhancing function. Filling gaps with implants increases the overall strength of your mouth, allowing you to eat foods that were once too difficult, including crunchy fruits and veggies that contribute to greater oral health.
- How long do implants last? Dental implants are the most permanent solution to smile restoration. With proper care, implants have the potential to last a lifetime. Just like with your natural teeth, it’s important to brush twice a day, floss on a daily basis, and get regular check-ups to ensure the health of your new tooth and the surrounding teeth and gums.
- How much do dental implants cost? The cost of a dental implant procedure depends on numerous factors, including the complexity, whether an extraction is necessary, and the location of the repair. To get a detailed quote, please book an appointment with Dr. Garza.
- How long will it take my implants to heal? The entire dental implant procedure takes approximately three to six months. During this time, the process is divided into multiple steps to ensure the maximum healing of your gum and the integration of your implant. After the titanium post has been inserted into your tooth socket, the first phase of healing will begin. Over the course of several weeks, your gum will have time to heal and the bone a chance to grow around your new implant.
Once this phase of healing is complete, a metal piece called an abutment will be attached to the implant. After attachment, your gum and jaw bone will require another six weeks of healing. Once your new tooth is finally attached, you can expect another few weeks of adjustment, after which your implant and tooth will look, feel, and act just like your natural tooth! - Will my implants be noticeable? Dental implants are custom-crafted to look, feel, and function just like your natural teeth. Because of the complex process that takes place to attach a dental implant to the jaw and match it with the surrounding teeth, you’ll be the only one who knows you have an implant! You may even forget yourself, unable to tell the difference between the implant and your natural teeth.
- Do dental implants require special care? When considering the different options for smile restoration, many individuals opt for dental implants because of their capacity to act as a natural tooth. Caring for an implant requires nothing more than proper brushing two times a day, regular flossing, and routine check-ups with your dentist to ensure overall oral health.
Dental Implants at Champions Dental
Do you suffer from missing or damaged teeth? Have you considered dental implants to restore your smile? At Champions Dental, we commit ourselves to provide premier dental services aimed at restoring health and beauty back to your smile. With more than 15 years of experience and hundreds of successful implant procedures, we work hard to impact our community with a compassionate approach to dentistry.
Visit our team at Champions Dental today or call to schedule a consultation to get started on your journey to dental implants!