Losing a tooth or several teeth can affect your self-esteem. It can also cause your remaining teeth to shift and make it difficult to talk or eat. In some cases, individuals use dental implants to replace missing teeth. This highly effective solution ensures you have natural-looking teeth in place of those missing. It is essential to determine whether you are a good candidate for this treatment.
Am I a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
You are a good candidate as long as your gums are healthy and there is sufficient jawbone to hold the dental implants in place. If you have gum disease, jawbone deterioration, poor dental hygiene, bruxism, and other health problems that make it difficult for you to heal, you may not be able to have dental implants. Some of these problems might be mitigated or cured, so consult with the dentist to be sure. Here is what you should know about dental implants.
Dental Implants Are the Solution for Missing Teeth
An estimated 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth. Dental implants are a permanent solution for replacements. Individuals who are missing one tooth or several teeth can opt for dental implants to ensure they have a full, healthy-looking smile.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
Dental implants have titanium posts that are inserted into your jawbone where the root was once located. These connectors will become tightly joined to your jawbone over time, much like the roots of real teeth do through a process called osseointegration (bone integration). This process can take anywhere from three to six months.
A post, also known as the abutment, is then attached to the implant. Your gums will then heal around the abutment for around two weeks. Once the gums heal, the crown is attached to the post.
Are Dental Implants Available in Different Colors?
The crowns that attach to the post are available in various shades. This ensures that the newly implanted tooth looks like the rest of the teeth in your mouth. If you decide to replace all your teeth with dental implants, such as using them instead of dentures, then our team will select a color that provides the most natural-looking appearance.
Schedule a Consultation Today
If you would like to explore the benefits of getting dental implants and to determine if you are a good candidate for this permanent solution, contact our team at Arcadia Dental Arts in Phoenix, Arizona by calling 602-957-9643 to schedule an appointment. Dr. John Pappas will assess your oral health and determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants. He will also walk you through the process so you know what to expect at every step.