Dental implants can improve the appearance of your smile while eliminating gaps in your teeth and replacing painful, unhealthy teeth. Dental implants are a full tooth replacement, complete with roots and an artificial tooth that matches the color of your natural teeth.
For many people, dental implants are the next best thing to having your own, original, healthy teeth. If you’ve lost a tooth or are struggling with a tooth (or teeth) that are unhealthy, a dental implant may be the right solution for you.
Benefits of Dental Implants
There are many reasons to get dental implants!
- Comfortable fit. Implants are often more comfortable than dentures because they fit in your mouth in the same way that natural teeth fit in your mouth.
- Beautiful appearance. Dental implants are just as lovely as natural teeth – and indistinguishable as well.
- Pride in your smile. With dental implants, you can smile with pride, knowing that your smile appears healthy and as it should.
- Better for digestion. It’s important to have all your teeth because teeth aid digestion. You’ll find eating easier when you have a dental implant because implants fit in your mouth just like your natural teeth.
- Convenience. Dental implants require all the same care as your natural teeth, so taking care of dental implants is convenient and similar to your normal oral hygiene routine.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Dental implants have a success rate of about 98%. Your dentist can determine whether you’re a good candidate for dental implants. To be a good candidate, you’ll need to have healthy gums and enough bone to hold the implant.
Your dentist will also evaluate your candidacy for dental implants based on how well you take care of your teeth and your overall health. If you have a chronic health problem or smoke heavily, this could impact the viability of dental implants for you.
What Happens During Dental Implant Surgery?
First, your dentist will determine whether you’re a good candidate for dental implant surgery. Next, your dentist will create a coordinated plan to schedule your dental implant surgery and prepare you for the event.
Dental implant surgery starts with the implantation of a small titanium post in the jawbone. Once the jawbone is healed, the post is firmly anchored into the mouth. This healing process can take between 6 and 12 weeks.
Once the implant is secured to the jawbone, then the abutment is attached to the post. Finally, the replacement tooth (called the crown) is attached to the abutment. Once the crown is in place, it’s impossible to tell the difference between a dental implant and a natural tooth. It will look, feel and perform just like natural teeth.
Think You Might Benefit from Dental Implants? Contact University Family Dental
At University Family Dental, we help patients meet their oral hygiene and dental health goals. You don’t have to live with unhealthy teeth, or a gap in your teeth. We can help! Call your dentist in Las Cruces NM today to make an appointment to find out whether you are a good candidate for dental implants. Our skilled dental professionals can help.
