Millions of people in the United States suffer tooth loss, usually due to decay or gum diseases. Missing one or more of your teeth may affect your appearance, cause difficulty pronouncing words, and affect your diet. Your dental implant specialist in Sunnyvale, CA, can surgically fix or embed a metal structure within your jaw bone and place a dental prosthetic to restore your missing teeth.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are screw-like posts made out of titanium to replace natural tooth roots. They become a permanent part of your teeth after fussing with the surrounding bone, a process known as osseointegration. The following are the advantages of dental implants over other prosthetic devices such as dentures.
- Implants are strong and stable. The strength of the implants results from the fusion between the metal and the bone. That means you do not have to worry about them falling out, and with proper care, implants can last you a lifetime.
- Comfortable and convenient. It is normal for foreign objects in your body to feel uncomfortable and strange. However, this is different from dental implants because they become a part of your mouth with time. Most people with implants get used to them and still do not need to remove them when eating.
- Better speech. Pronouncing certain words may be challenging if you miss several teeth. Dentures may make you slur your words with fear that the artificial teeth may slip. Fortunately, implants do not interfere with your speech, but they instead make it better.
- Improved self-esteem. You may avoid smiling or interacting with people. However, implants can help restore your teeth and improve your overall appearance.
Are implants suitable for everyone?
Most of the time, implants are a safe option for healthy adults who are considered healthy enough to undergo oral surgery. However, oral surgeons advise against dental implants for patients with medical conditions such as diabetes, cancer, and autoimmune disorders since they interfere with recovery. Some of these problems can result in serious infections after surgery. Good candidates need to maintain oral hygiene practices after surgery and avoid lifestyle habits such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. A discussion with your specialist may help you determine whether dental implants are an option for you.
How do I prepare for dental implants?
Like any other surgical procedure, the initial consultation is necessary for a patient to understand what the surgery entails. When you discuss your anesthesia options, determine which one is best for you, depending on different factors, including overall health. Your specialist reviews your medical history and may ask you several questions, including your medications and whether you have had treatment such as radiation therapy recently.
It is great to know that you can do something about your missing teeth. Book a session with your specialist at Perio & Implant Centers of Monterey Bay to know whether implants are a suitable option for you.
