There were days when losing teeth was a nightmare that you had to live with for the rest of your life. Dental implants have changed all that. Implants have provided replacements that feel, look, and even function just like your natural teeth. Any dentist in Greenville, SC should be able to help you understand what a dental implant is all about, and how and why you may need to have one.
What Dental Implants Are All about
In simple terms, dental implants act as the substitutes for tooth roots. They are titanium posts that are surgically installed into the jaw at the place where you have a missing tooth. Your jaw bones will bond with the titanium, making a solid foundation for the artificial tooth.
What Does a Dental Implant Procedure Entail
In most instances, dentists will take you through two surgical procedures when they are placing a dental implant. They will first place the implant within your jawbone, where it will remain for at least six months so that it can bond with your jawbone.
The second surgical procedure involves uncovering the implants and then attaching small posts, which will protrude through your gums where they will anchor your artificial teeth. This procedure will take about eight months to complete, though it will only cause minimal disruption to your everyday routine.
Why You Should Have a Dental Implant
In case you have lost your teeth as a result of an accident, or because a tooth was extracted, dental implants will still give you the chance to renew your confidence and have peace of mind. More importantly, dental implants will preserve your facial structure and prevent the deterioration of bones that happens when you lose a tooth.
Since dental implants function like your natural teeth, they make chewing easier, and you can go back to enjoying your food. The implants also improve your speech since you will be able to pronounce words as they should be said and therefore, you will be able to communicate clearly. Besides, it will save you from the inconvenience of removing dentures every night and fiddling with the sticky adhesives that keep them in place.
Teeth are an important part of your physical and emotional well being. Dentists in Greenville, SC are always ready and interested in helping you to keep your smile looking great. If you have a tooth missing due to an accident or any such mishap, just check on the possibility of getting a dental implant in Greenville, SC and get your life back on track.
Source:
Cosmetic Dentistry, medlineplus.gov
