Losing a tooth changes how you look to others—and how you see yourself. Fortunately, you have many tooth replacement options, so you don’t have to show gaps in your smile for long.

One option is dental implants. These long-term solutions can help you feel your best and love your new smile. And, a confident smile improves your emotional and mental well-being.

The development of dental implants has changed how teeth are fixed, offering many people a new way to restore their smiles.

What are dental implants? 

A dental implant has three parts—an implant post, an abutment, and an artificial tooth. The post is a screw-like titanium piece that gets surgically placed into the bone. After insertion, the implant fuses with the bone.

The abutment connects the artificial tooth to the titanium post with a small screw. This piece is often angled to allow the implant dentist to attach the fake tooth onto a slanted implant.

The artificial tooth could be a crown or denture, designed to look like your natural teeth. This portion of the implant is custom made in a lab to match your unique oral structure.

With proper home care and routine dental visits, dental implants offer many long-term benefits compared with other tooth replacement options. They resist decay and provide the strength and stability needed to eat all your favorite foods.

Benefits of Dental Implants

There are many reasons to consider booking a consultation with an implant dentist in Greenville, SC.

Restored Functionality

For a long time, dentures were the best option to replace multiple missing teeth. However, some dentures can slip, making it hard to eat or speak.

Unlike dentures, dental implants are securely anchored into your jaw with titanium posts. The attached fake tooth won’t wiggle. This makes it more comfortable to chew and speak.

Natural Appearance

Technology has come a long way. Modern materials allow dental implants to look and act like real teeth and blend in with your smile. With tooth implants, you feel better about how you look and can smile without worrying about people noticing the gap from your missing tooth.

Prevention of Bone Loss

When you lose a tooth, the bone underneath can start to wear away because it is not being stimulated. The post in a dental implant is designed to mimic the tooth’s root and stimulate the bone to preserve its density and strength.

Improved Oral Health

Some restorative dentistry procedures, like dental bridges, require adjustments to your real teeth. These adjustments might compromise a tooth’s strength and make it more likely to break later.

Dental implants do not require removing material from existing teeth. Instead, the replacement tooth is supported by the post embedded in your jawbone.

Increased Confidence

When you have a complete smile, you’ll have greater self-esteem. You’ll love the natural look dental implants give you. And, you can keep eating your favorite foods! The full chewing power of your natural teeth will make you feel less reluctant to dine in public.

The Dental Implant Process

Getting a dental implant takes time and patience. Understanding what to expect from start to finish helps make the process go smoother.

Initial Consultation

On your first visit, your dentist checks your jawbone and gums to see if you’re ready for an implant. This exam may involve X-rays and a special 3D scan to assess your bone health. If you’re a good candidate, your dentist makes a custom treatment plan.

Surgical Procedure

The implant is typically placed under local anesthesia to lessen discomfort. A small incision is made in the gums to expose the bone. Your dentist will drill a hole and place the implant post. Once it’s in place, the gums will be sutured to promote healing.

Healing and Osseointegration

The healing phase takes a few months. During this time, the bone and titanium post fuse in a process called “osseointegration.” This process ensures the implant is strong, stable, and ready for the artificial tooth.

Final Restoration

Once the area heals, it’s time to place the final restoration. This artificial piece (abutment) resembles your natural teeth in size, shape, and color and will complete your smile.

Caring for Your Dental Implants

Like your natural teeth, your dental implant requires care and maintenance.

Daily Oral Hygiene

Keep your mouth clean by brushing your teeth twice daily. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and fluoridated toothpaste. Flossing daily helps get rid of food and plaque between your teeth.

Regular Dental Checkups

Return to your dentist often for checkups and cleanings. Your dentist will check on your dental implant and address small problems, if any, before they escalate.

Avoid Harmful Habits

Dental implants are long-lasting, but they are not unbreakable. To protect your investment, don’t smoke or chew hard foods.

You can enjoy a natural-looking smile.

If you’re tired of having a gappy smile, consider replacing your missing teeth with dental implants. Monroe Family Dentistry can help you reclaim your smile. Book an appointment with us today and explore your dental implant options!