How Dental Implants Restore Your Smile and Improve Oral Health
If you’re one of the 120 million Americans missing at least one tooth, you might be exploring your options for restoring your smile. Dental implants are an effective solution, offering aesthetic improvements and important health benefits.
But how exactly do dental implants work, and why are they often considered the best option for restoring your smile and improving oral health? Take a closer look at the benefits of dental implants and how they can improve your quality of life.
What Are Dental Implants and How Do They Restore Your Smile?
Dental implants offer an effective way to restore both your smile and confidence. Unlike other tooth replacement options, such as bridges or dentures, implants don’t just fill the gap—they mimic the structure of natural teeth.
An implant is an artificial tooth root, typically made of titanium, that is placed into your jawbone through a surgical procedure. Over time, this post bonds with the bone in a process called osseointegration, which creates a solid and secure base.
This strong foundation is topped with a custom-made crown that looks and feels like a natural tooth. This restores the appearance of your smile and improves your overall oral health, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile confidently.
The Long-Term Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants also offer several long-term benefits that can improve your overall oral health:
- Prevent bone loss. When you lose a tooth, the surrounding bone begins to deteriorate because it no longer has a root to support it. A dental implant becomes the tooth root, stimulating the jawbone and preventing bone loss. This helps maintain the structure of your face and prevents the sunken look that often accompanies missing teeth.
- Protect adjacent teeth. Unlike traditional bridges, which need support from the teeth next to the gap, dental implants stand on their own. This means your healthy teeth don’t need any enamel removed to hold the implant in place, so your natural tooth structure stays intact.
- Improve your oral health. Maintaining oral hygiene is a breeze with dental implants since they work like your natural teeth. You can brush and floss as usual without special cleaning routines or products, as with dentures or bridges. This makes it easier to maintain oral health and lowers the risk of gum disease and decay in the surrounding teeth.
- Enhance quality of life. Dental implants are a stable, permanent solution for replacing missing teeth, letting you eat, speak, and smile naturally. No more worrying about dentures slipping or having to be removed for cleaning. A 2017 study found that people with dental implants report a 50% to 100% improvement in their quality of life, thanks to their convenience and security.
The Dental Implant Procedure: What to Expect
When considering getting dental implants, it’s a good idea to talk to your dentist to see if they’re the right choice. Your oral health, bone density, and lifestyle habits will help your dentist determine if implants are a good fit.
If you’re eligible for dental implants, the first step is to assess your oral health. Your dentist will evaluate the condition of your jawbone and surrounding teeth to ensure they are healthy enough to support an implant. Hinsdale Dental uses state-of-the-art digital X-rays to obtain real-time, accurate images with minimal radiation exposure.
The dental implant procedure typically involves the following steps:
- Implant placement. The dentist surgically places the implant into the jawbone. This step is usually done under local anesthesia; most patients experience minimal discomfort.
- Healing period. Over the next three to eight months, the implant fuses with the surrounding bone to produce a stable foundation for the artificial tooth.
- Crown attachment. Once fully integrated, an abutment is attached to the implant, and a custom crown is placed on top. This crown is designed to match your existing teeth perfectly, restoring your smile.
Regain Your Smile and Oral Health With Dental Implants
Dental implants offer lasting benefits, from preventing bone loss to improving overall dental wellness. If you’re curious about how dental implants work and whether they’re the best tooth replacement option, schedule a consultation with Hinsdale Dental today. Let us help you regain your confidence and enjoy a healthier, more radiant smile.
Return to Blog