Dental implants are designed to replace missing or damaged teeth. The procedure makes use of an artificial tooth root made out of titanium metal. The metal post is inserted into a patient’s jawbone beneath the gums. When the implant fuses with the jawbone, a dental crown is then attached to the implant. A high-quality dental implant from a dentist in Wichita Falls, TX, will give anyone with missing teeth a restored smile.
Who Can Benefit from Dental Implants
Dental implants become a permanent part of the mouth. Over time, they fuse with the jawbone and the gum tissue surrounding the area. Dental implants are ideal for the following:
- Those who have missing teeth. Bone loss from missing teeth can make a person look old. Also, missing teeth can reduce their chewing efficiency, self-esteem, and speaking capability. Dental implants ensure the jawbone of a patient is stabilized, preventing these issues. They blend in naturally with natural teeth, which means nobody can tell if a person has them.
- Those with cracked teeth. Depending on how serious the tooth crack is, corrective surgery may fix the tooth without an implant or crown. But if the tooth requires restructuring because of extensive damage, it can benefit from dental implant surgery.
- Those with loose-fitting dentures. Those who have loose partial or full dentures can experience bone and mouth shrinkage. This will result in sagging skin and mouth misalignment, making eating and speaking difficult. Also, dentures that shift can cause sore spots. Thus, they should be replaced with dental implants as they do not fall out and shift. Also, implants encourage healthy bone stimulation.
Pregnant women and those with chronic illnesses are advised not to get implants because these can increase the risk of infection. People who have bruxism must also not get implants because teeth clenching and grinding may damage the implants.
What to Expect During the Procedure
The steps involved in dental implant surgery depend on the kind of implant you are getting. However, it generally starts with a procedure to surgically place an implant into your jawbone where gum tissue covers it, so it fuses with the bone. When the implant has fused with the jaw, your dentist will attach a post to it. Sometimes, both the post and implant are placed at the same time. While the dental implant serves as the root, the post acts as the artificial crown’s anchor. Then, your dentist will attach a dental crown to the post.