Lessons Learned from Years with
Dental Implants Can Improve Your Oral Health and Your Smile
Whether you are missing one or many teeth, dental implants can improve your oral health and your smile. They are durable, long-lasting and comfortable.
During your initial consultation, a team of dental professionals will discuss how to best address your dental needs. An oral surgeon, a dentist specializing in bone and tissue structures that support the teeth (periodontist), or a prosthodontist will work together to design and place your new tooth replacements.
Your dental professional will take X-rays and 3D images of your mouth and jaw to evaluate the condition of your bones and determine if there is enough available bone for the placement of your implants. The implant(s) will then be placed in your jawbone using a process called osseointegration.
Once the implant is in your jaw, it will heal and integrate with the bone over time. This healing process may take months or more, depending on the individual patient’s needs and preferences.
You’ll need to be committed to the care and maintenance of your new implant, including regular cleanings and checkups with your dentist. You should also avoid smoking and chewing tobacco, which can interfere with the healing process.
Missing teeth can impact your self-confidence and lead to a number of other problems that affect your oral health and overall well-being. For example, it can make it difficult to chew and speak properly, putting you at risk for bone loss, gum disease and infection.
The good news is that the dental team at our Charleston practice has a lot of experience helping patients achieve their oral health goals with a permanent solution for tooth loss. That’s why we recommend dental implants as a way to restore your natural smile and improve your oral health.
Unlike other tooth replacement options, such as removable dentures or traditional bridges, dental implants are fully stable and do not require grinding down surrounding teeth for a fixed bridge. This can result in a significant loss of bone in the surrounding area.
Another advantage of dental implants is that they are permanently anchored in your jaw, which helps preserve bone. This can prevent bone deterioration, and significantly reduce the need for bone grafts or surgeries.
No matter the number of missing teeth, dental implants can improve your smile and enhance your confidence. A healthy, beautiful smile can increase your social and professional satisfaction and boost your overall mood.
Your dental team will recommend a restoration for your implant that best fits the shape and size of your missing tooth or teeth, ensuring that it is as natural-looking as possible. This can be a porcelain crown, bridge or denture, but it can also be made of ceramics, gold alloys or other materials that have an international consensus standard for safety.
A strong, healthy and beautiful smile is essential to a happy, productive life. You’ll feel more confident in your smile with a dental implant, and your new tooth will help you eat the foods you want to enjoy and speak more clearly.
