I have always envied those around me who seem to always have perfect smiles without even trying, because I feel like I was born with "bad teeth." While my teeth are in great shape now, it is only because I take great care to visit the dentist every six months for a check-up and cleaning and maintain good oral hygiene habits at home. While I used to get a lot of cavities, even though I thought I was doing "everything right" to keep them away, I am proud to say that I have been cavity-free for a couple of years now! I put a lot of research into what daily habits can wreak havoc on my teeth, and I thought it would be a shame not to share what has helped me with others who need the advice. I plan to post many oral health tips on my new blog!
If you have a missing tooth, you may be considering getting a dental implant. Dental implants are the best way to replace missing teeth because they are incredibly durable and strong. If you aren't sure if a dental implant is the right choice to replace your missing teeth, you must check out these three questions to ask your dentist about dental implants:
Am I A Good Candidate?
A good candidate for a dental implant is a healthy patient with one or more missing teeth. Your dentist will help you decide if you are a good candidate, but one problem you must watch out for is gum disease. If you have or have had gum disease in the past, you are vulnerable to getting gum disease again after your implant. This leads to peri-implant disease. Basically, the gums recede to reveal the titanium root. Secondly, you must have enough jawbone to support the implant, but a bone graft can help if your bone has shrunk a little.
How Long Will It Take?
The dental implant process isn't fast. It can take between a few months to an entire year to complete. This is because the implant must be placed and healed before the crown can be placed. However, depending on how long your teeth have been missing, you may also need a bone graft. A bone graft can be done as soon as the tooth is pulled or later. It ensures the jawbone is strong and thick enough to support the titanium implant. A bone graft, especially a more serious one can take much longer to heal, increasing the procedure time.
How Long Will It Last?
The best reason to get a dental implant is because of how long it will last. With proper care, your dental implant may last the rest of your life. This is because the titanium root fuses to the jawbone. This creates a powerful hold that ensures the implant can chew without a problem. In fact, a dental implant can work and look just like a natural tooth. You can and should brush and floss it like a natural tooth, so it doesn't develop more advanced problems like infection.
If you have a missing tooth, you must consider a dental implant. It is the best way to replace your missing teeth. For more information regarding dental implants or other options for missing teeth, contact a cosmetic dentist office in your area today.
Share18 November 2017
