Can Dental Implants Work for You?

Accidents and tooth rot are one of the major causes of root decay in teeth. Generally, the effect is often psychological as a bad root means loss of the tooth in that position which can lead to loss of confidence. However, it doesn't always need to be like that. With dental implants fixed by a reputable Prosthodontist in Bellevue, you can gain back your smile. Many benefits come with getting a dental implant in Bellevue. However, it is important to understand what it is and what you can do to handle your dental problems.

What Is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a medical replacement for the root of a tooth. It is a verified solution for issues of a missing tooth. A dental implant is a long-term replacement that provides a sure pivot for dentures. This procedure, if done by professional, help you to carry out activities like you will with your natural dentition. With a dental implant, you can eat well, speak accurately and even smile publicly with great confidence. This procedure is a safe way to replace a lost tooth. Implants are just like your natural dentition compared to other procedures such as dental bridges and dentures.

A dental implant consists of an artificial post of titanium that is surgically fixed into the jawbone where the natural teeth were positioned. Similar to the surgery done for knee replacement, titanium is used because of its compatibility with bones. Titanium allows for the growth of bone around the screw. This helps to keep it firm without any complications. After fixing, the implant then heals with the jawbone as time goes on, creating a solid foundation for the crown. This is why there is hardly any issue, especially when a professional dentist or prosthodontist carries out the procedure. Dental implants are becoming a common way to replace lost teeth because of their functional and aesthetic benefits.

How Long Does the Treatment Take?

It is essential to mention here that dental implants may not be the best solution for everyone. The patient needs to have a healthy jawbone for a better and desired result. More so, whether or not you are eligible to undergo the procedure of a dental implant is up to your dentist's discretion. The surgery requires at least two meetings with your dentist. However, the entire process takes about 24-32 weeks to complete. The entire surgery procedure involves three stages.

Firstly, the doctor will perform the surgery of fixing the implant into your jaw. This is the first stage that entails screwing and ensuring the implant is well positioned into your jaw. Then it is covered with gum tissue and left for 12-24 weeks for it to integrate with the jawbone. When this is finally done, the dentist will add a post to the implant and let the gum tissue grow around it. This becomes the base for the replacement tooth. In some cases, the implant and the post are fixed at the same time.

After 3-6 months, the implant should have fused to the jawbone. Then the dentist adds a crown to the fixed implant post. Having your dental implants done by a reputable office is very important. Washington State Prosthodontist and Dental Implant Center is a reliable center for creating safe and lasting implants.

The Advantages of Dental Implants

One of the major advantages of a dental implant is the fact that it has a natural look, just like a real tooth. It gives the most natural remedy for lost teeth. They look the same as the natural tooth and allow you to perform dental functions like speaking properly, eating, smiling, etc.

Dental implants further go on to carry out preservation functions. They help to preserve the jawbone; just like every other muscle, you lose them when you don't use them. During biting and chewing food, forces are transmitted through your tooth into the jawbone surrounding it. These forces help to keep the jawbone strong and healthy. And so, if you have an extracted tooth, your jawbone loses this force stimulation.

This results in a weak and shrinking jaw. This can as well affect your appearance negatively as it may cause you to look older than your age. Dental implants can replace this function of a lost tooth and transmit the same stimulation, keeping your jawbone healthy and supporting your facial features.

How Long Does a Dental Implant Last?

As mentioned earlier on in this article, dental implants are one of the best long-term solutions for a lost tooth. If you have a healthy and strong jawbone, you can undergo the implant procedure. This is because the screw of the implant will last as long as your natural tooth lasts.

As for the crown, with adequate care, it is bound to last for a long time without any complication. It is essential to mention here that you need to take care of your implants as much as you do your natural teeth. You have to keep the implant clean by regularly brushing. This will help to elongate its life span. If you want your implant to last longer, then you must maintain proper oral hygiene. This will help increase the life span of the implant.

How to Take Care of Implants

Just like your natural teeth, dental implants are meant to be cleaned and maintained properly. There can be complications like infection, bone loss, and gum inflammation if they are not adequately taken care of. Ensure also to practice proper oral hygiene. You should always endeavor to wash and floss your implants the same way you would do to your natural tooth. You should not forget your routine visit to your dentist for a regular check on the health of your gums and bones.

Conclusion

With a Bellevue prosthodontist, you can get a superb dental implant that brings back your confidence. With a dental implant, rest assured that it is well hidden inside the gum, so the metal base is not often visible. If you are looking for dental implants in the Bellevue area, contact the professionals at Washington State Prosthodontics and Dental Implant Center today!