Dental Implants: One Of Dentistry's Greatest Innovations

Posted on: 19 February 2021

Throughout the years, dental professionals have developed many treatments to improve patients' teeth. Dental implants are one of the best treatment options to be developed and can be highly effective in correcting flaws that impact the ways teeth look and function. Many dentists nowadays are recommending dental implants over other treatments because of the additional reliability that these implants offer.

How Dental Implants are Placed

Dental implants are placed into the mouth through a surgical procedure that affixes screw-like holders into the jawbone so that they emerge just above the gumline. Temporary artificial teeth are placed over these holders to fill in the gaps of missing teeth until the holders are bonded completely to the jawbone approximately six months later. Once the holders are firmly in place, the temporary artificial teeth can be removed and replaced with permanent artificial teeth that will look, feel and function like real teeth.  

Chewing and Speech Improvements

One of the biggest hassles of having missing teeth is the difficulties that result from trying to eat or talk. Dental implants make chewing food easier by providing additional support and strength in areas where teeth were missing. Many people who receive dental implants also notice big improvements in the ways that they pronounce certain words.

Easy to Clean

Dental implants can be cleaned in the same ways as natural teeth by brushing and flossing. It's best to use a toothbrush with soft bristles and a non-abrasive toothpaste when brushing to help preserve the material of the implants longer. A special dental floss that is made to floss around crowns and bridges more effectively may help remove food that gets caught in between the implants better, or there is also the option of using a dental water jet flosser.

A Better Alternative to Dentures

In many cases, dental implants are preferred over dentures because of their natural feel. Since these implants are fused to the jawbone, they feel more like real teeth, unlike dentures, which often feel like the false teeth that they are when they have to be removed for cleaning. Dental implants also hold in place better than dentures and aren't as prone to falling out or shifting inside the mouth. Dental implants even do a better job of preventing the jawbone loss that often occurs when teeth are missing.

Greater Confidence

People who have missing teeth often feel more self-conscious when smiling or communicating with others. Dental implants can create the appearance of having healthy, natural teeth, which can help improve self-confidence among patients.

Dental implants have changed the lives of many people for the better. Dental professionals who know how to install these implants can work with patients who have a few or several missing teeth and can put in the new implants using the correct surgical methods.

To learn more, contact a resource that offers dental implants.