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What are Dental Implants and How Do They Work?

Tooth loss can be devastating for patients. Afterward, many are left wondering if they’ll ever feel like themselves again. We depend on our teeth for so many daily functions like chewing, smiling, and talking, so when we suddenly find ourselves without teeth, it can be a significant challenge. If you’re suffering from tooth loss, the good news is you don’t have to suffer for long. Dental implants are a permanent solution that you’ll definitely want to consider. 

While bridges and dentures are common options for missing teeth, there is no treatment that truly gets you back to feeling like your old self quite like dental implants. They are easily one of the most successful oral health inventions of all time. Below, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about how dental implants work, their many benefits, and how to schedule a consultation to determine if this procedure is right for you.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are titanium structures that are attached to your jawbone on one end and support a prosthetic crown on the other. Altogether, dental implants look, feel, and behave very much like real teeth. They restore your ability to chew, which can provide patients with some much needed feelings of normalcy after tooth loss. As a result, they are a highly sought-after treatment for people of all ages.

How Do Dental Implants Work?

Dental implants work by essentially rebuilding the structure of the tooth. Early in the procedure, your periodontist will secure a titanium screw to your jawbone, which will essentially mimic the function of a root. If your jaw isn’t strong enough to support an implant, your periodontist may need to perform a bone graft (relocating bone tissue from another area of the jaw to the site of the implant).

After the titanium component is installed, an abutment will be attached to the top of it. During a subsequent visit, a prosthetic crown will be secured to the abutment. The structure of the dental implant will be placed over a series of appointments often several weeks apart. Once installed, dental implants will work just like real teeth. Because your gums will grow around the structure over time, dental implants are much more permanent than other tooth replacement options.

What Are The Benefits Of Dental Implants?

The main benefit of dental implants is that after a while, most patients don’t realize they’re there. In other words, they essentially help patients get back to feeling like they did prior to experiencing tooth loss. Some of the more specific benefits include:

  • Durability – When properly cared for, implants can last decades or even a lifetime.
  • Comfort – Dental implants simply feel comfortable. Your ability to chew will be restored, and your bite will feel back to normal.
  • They Look Good – Because dental implants look exactly like real teeth, you can have your smile and self-confidence back.
  • No Impact Neighboring Teeth – Dental implants are not secured to nearby teeth, so the impact on neighboring teeth is minimal. 

Where Can I Get Dental Implants?

Dental implants are installed by a periodontist, so you’ll need to make an appointment for a consultation. Your dentist can refer you to a periodontist or you can try to find one online. The good news is most patients qualify for the procedure; however, your doctor will need to review your medical history to be sure.

At your first appointment, your doctor will evaluate the state of your oral health and create a unique treatment plan just for you. He or she will determine if any bone grafting is necessary to support implants and then will schedule a series of appointments. While any pain associated with the procedure can be managed with anesthesia or dental sedation, your gums will still need time to heal following each appointment. 

Dental implants are a large investment, so you definitely want to choose a periodontist who is experienced and makes you comfortable. At Ormond Beach Periodontics, we not only specialize in dental implants, but we also have some of the most comfortable dental offices in Central Florida. Give us a call to schedule your consultation with Dr. Stuart Beauchamp today at 386-672-9440

Located in Beautiful Ormond Beach

Ormond Beach Periodontics and Implant Dentistry is conveniently located off of Nova Road in Ormond Beach, Florida. We help seniors, adults, and teenagers smile with confidence.