It is no secret that a person’s smile is one of the first things others notice about them. However, a healthy smile can get harder and harder to achieve as you get older, because despite how well you take care of them, they don’t always last as long as they should.
This is where crowns, bridges, and dental implants come in. There are plenty of dental services available to make your smile shine the brightest it can, but the problem is many patients refuse to go to the dentist over fear of the unknown. To prevent this, here we explain some commonly asked questions concerning dental implants so you are as educated as possible!
What exactly are dental implants?
Dental implants are fake teeth that come with a small metal anchor that is surgically attached to your jawbone. Think of the metal anchor as a substitute for the tooth’s root, and once it is placed the prosthetic will act and function like a normal tooth.
Why would someone choose to invest in a dental implant?
Dental implants are great because they feel and look like natural teeth. They are actually so popular that 3 million people already have dental implants, and this number is growing at a fast rate of 500,000 per year!
What is the process of getting a dental implant like?
The treatment is a three-step process — the dental implant will be placed into your jawbone and as it heals, it will fuse permanently. Once this implant is bonded to the bone, an abutment is placed on top of the dental implant to connect the root to the replacement tooth. Then, a crown, which will be made to look the same color as your natural teeth, will be molded and placed on top.
How will I know if a dental implant is right for me?
There are a variety of factors that go into determining if you are the right candidate for dental implants. But as a rule of thumb, you should have a fully developed jawbone, healthy gums, and no other medical problems that will hinder the healing process.
Want to learn more about dental implants? Contact our doctors today for any and all of your dental services questions!
