How Dental Implants are Changing Lives

Dental implants have been hailed as one of the best options for replacing missing teeth. Dental Implants San Diego is designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel and function like natural teeth. Dental implants can be used to replace an individual missing tooth or multiple missing teeth when other treatments have failed. Dental implants can be life-changing in so many ways: they allow patients to eat virtually anything, they preserve facial contours, and can give you back your smile with confidence!

What is a Dental Implant?

Dental implants are small titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone where teeth have been lost. Dental implants act as tooth root substitutes and anchor points for a dental crown and abutment. Dental implants often are made of titanium which bonds with the bone, creating a foundation for the artificial teeth.

Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. Posts (small posts that protrude through the gums) are then attached to the implant. Dental implants provide a stable foundation for artificial teeth. Implants can also help preserve facial structure, preventing bone atrophy that occurs when teeth are missing.

Dental Implant Surgery Procedure

Most patients need two surgeries to get dental implants. First, implants are placed in the jaw. For the first three to six months following surgery, the implants are below the surface of the gums fusing with your jawbone. During the time spent waiting for dental implants, a person can wear temporary dentures and eat a soft food diet. In the meantime, your dentist is working on forming new replacement teeth.

Once the implant has been fixed to the jawbone, a second phase will begin. When the dentist has uncovered and prepared the implants, he attaches short posts that penetrate through the gums to serve as anchors for your dental crown. The posts for these dental crowns will not be seen. The entire process usually takes several months. 

Why Dental Implants?

Once you get dental implants, your life can be totally different. Especially if you have lost several teeth and have them replaced with dental implants – regardless of if you have been in this situation for long or just now experiencing it – people do not adjust easily to missing several teeth. It is quite inconvenient, embarrassing, and even demoralizing. Dental implants can make life more comfortable and confidence-inspiring. They can provide you with a new lease on life. Some patients even suggest that the transformation is akin to being reborn. 

Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?

People considering implants need to be examined thoroughly and have their medical and dental history reviewed. Bone grafts may be needed in order to perform the procedure. Some health conditions such as HIV/AIDS, diabetes, bone loss, and other factors may disqualify you from consideration, as well as tobacco use. 

Although the upsides to dental implants are incredible, there are some objections, but often none bigger than the cost. Dental implants are not inexpensive, and that is why many people settle for dentures, especially when it comes to replacing an entire arch of teeth. 

If you are interested in learning more about or considering Dental Implants San Diego, you should schedule an appointment with us right away. We will be able to help you get all of the facts as well as a personalized treatment plan and pricing. Call San Diego Smile Center today!