The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons has found that around 70 percent of American adults between the ages of 35 to 44 have lost at least one tooth. And this statistic only increases with age. If you’re part of this statistic, don’t worry! You’re obviously not alone, and you don’t have to go through life with tooth loss. There are many options to help get your smile back, including dental implants. Dr. James Roberts and the team at Brilliant Smiles Dental in Peachtree City, GA are here to help restore your smile after tooth loss.
Why Choose Dental Implants?
These days, people have more ways to replace missing teeth than ever before; however, dental implants have truly revolutionized the way that Dr. Roberts and his team replace missing teeth. A dental implant is an artificial tooth that functions and even looks just like a real tooth. It’s truly the closest you’ll come to having a real tooth back. An implant replaces the entire tooth from the roots to the crown, providing a stable, resilient, and permanent false tooth. If you’re looking for a false tooth that will outlast the competition and fully restore your smile in appearance and functionality, then dental implants may be right for you.
Advantages Over Dentures or Bridges
Conventional bridges and dentures are not fixed to the bone, and can therefore be unstable. This can make it difficult to eat or smile with confidence. Implants not only look more natural, but feel and act more like normal teeth, with a stronger biting force. And because they don't directly rely on neighboring teeth for support, implants don't compromise the health of your natural teeth. In fact, bridges are only expected to last seven to ten years, even less with root canals, whereas implants will typically last a lifetime.
Single Or Multiple Implants
Dental implants are versatile. If you are only missing one tooth, one implant plus one replacement tooth will do the trick. If you are missing several teeth in a row, a few strategically placed implants can support a permanent bridge (a set of replacement teeth). Similarly, if you have lost all of your teeth, a full bridge or full denture can be permanently fixed in your mouth with a strategic number of implants.
What Does it Take to Get Dental Implants?
It does take time to get a full dental implant, so our patients must understand that it can take several months and up to a year or longer to get your implant. This, of course, will depend on several factors including your age, your health, how quickly you heal, and how many dental implants you’re getting. For example, younger individuals tend to heal a little more quickly than seniors; however, dental implants are ideal for everyone, including seniors. It may just take a bit longer to get your full restoration; however, having your dental implant for life also outweighs the months of treatment and waiting.
Caring For Your Implants
Consider your replacement teeth to be the same as natural teeth. They require the same daily brushing and flossing, and the same amount of regular checkups. Just like your natural teeth, the better you take care of your replacements, the longer they will last.
The Ideal Implant Candidate
While a thorough evaluation by our implant dentist in Peachtree City, GA is essential to determine if a patient is a suitable candidate for dental implants, the ideal patient will have:
- Good General Health: Candidates should be in overall good health to undergo the surgical procedure required for dental implants. Certain medical conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes, heart disease, or autoimmune disorders, might complicate the healing process and require special consideration.
- Sufficient Jawbone Density: Adequate jawbone density is crucial for the success of dental implants, as the implant posts need a solid foundation for osseointegration. Patients with significant bone loss may need bone grafting procedures before implants can be placed.
- Healthy Gums: Healthy gums are essential because periodontal disease can affect the stability and success of the implant. Candidates should have good oral hygiene and be free of active gum disease.
- Non-Smokers: Smoking can impair healing and increase the risk of implant failure. Non-smokers or those willing to quit smoking during the implant process are better candidates for successful implant integration.
- Commitment to Oral Hygiene: Candidates should be committed to maintaining excellent oral hygiene and regular dental visits to ensure the long-term success of their implants. Proper care and maintenance are vital to prevent infections and other complications.
