December 11, 2024

Dental Implants: Transforming Your Smiles and Changing Lives 

Having missing teeth can be distressing and embarrassing since they take away the spark from your smile. Getting them replaced can help regain your lost confidence and self-esteem.  

The dental implants in Mitchell, SD, are offered by an expert team of specialists who strive to replace severely damaged or missing teeth to revitalize your smile and oral health.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are innovative titanium screw-like posts that offer a permanent replacement for missing teeth. These mimic tooth roots and are surgically inserted into your jawbone. 

Titanium alloy is a biocompatible material that fuses well with the jawbone through osseointegration. Dental implants offer an excellent anchorage to permanent restorations like bridges, crowns, and dentures. 

How are implants beneficial? 

Dental implants are popular replacements for missing teeth due to the following benefits:

  • Permanent tooth replacements
  • Improve speech and masticatory functions
  • Provide a strong and stable foundation for dental crowns
  • Are fixed prostheses
  • Improve your overall appearance and self-confidence
  • Prevent alveolar bone resorption 
  • Leave the natural adjacent teeth intact
  • Are durable and long-lasting with proper oral care

Are you an ideal candidate for dental implants?

Your dentist can determine if you are an ideal candidate for dental implants if you meet the following criteria:

  • Have one or more missing teeth 
  • Have good gum health
  • Have sufficient bone thickness and density
  • Willing to give time for dental visits while getting your implant
  • Are an adult with jawbones that are fully developed
  • Are dedicated to maintaining good oral hygiene  

What is the procedure involved in fabricating implants?

Fabricating dental implants involves the following steps:

Preparation

  • Your dentist will first check your oral cavity to assess the number of missing teeth.
  • Full-mouth X-rays will be recorded to assess the jawbone thickness. 
  • You may require bone grafting (for insufficient bone thickness) or extraction of tooth remnants (if any) before you proceed with implants. 

Procedure 

  • You will be given local anesthesia to numb the area around your missing tooth/teeth
  • Your underlying jawbone will be exposed through incisions on your gums 
  • Tiny holes will be drilled with rotary instruments, and the implant post will be inserted. 
  • A period of 4 to 5 months will be provided for healing and adequate fusion of the implant with the jawbone
  • Finally, oral impressions will be taken and sent to the lab for fabricating a dental crown that fits over the implant.

Bottom line 

Dental implants are permanent fixtures in the bone that replace missing teeth. These have a high success rate, offering excellent benefits and long-lasting results. It just takes a little extra time and effort to regain your lost smile. 

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