Losing adult teeth almost always results in serious medical and cosmetic issues. Dental implants are one of the most effective long-term options for restoring the appearance of a patient’s smile as well as their ability to comfortably speak and eat. If you or a loved one has lost any teeth or are planning on having them extracted in the near future, then you should know about the benefits of dental implants and what you can do to prepare for your implant procedure.
A Closer Look at Modern Dental Implants
With the proper aftercare, dental implants can be a permanent solution to missing teeth. These devices are comprised of three primary components, including the implant posts, abutments and crowns. The posts are generally made from a biocompatible material, such as titanium. They are anchored in the patient’s mouth and act as a platform for the abutments and crowns. The abutments are a “saddle” for the crowns to fit comfortably over the posts. Much like removable dentures, crowns are false teeth made custom for every patient.
The Benefits of Implants
The biggest benefit of dental implants is that most patients completely forget they are in their mouth after the first few weeks. The false teeth look and feel just like one’s natural teeth, and they can be cared for in the exact same manner. Even more enticing is the fact that the implants themselves will often last a lifetime as long as the patient takes care of them. The crowns generally only need to be changed once every 15 or 20 years as long as they do not become stained or cracked.
Are Implants Right for Me?
Patients must have relatively healthy gums and jaws in order to have implants placed in their mouth. Those who have weak or deteriorating bones will need to address those issues first to prevent any implant rejections. Luckily, most healthy patients who are missing one or more teeth make excellent candidates for implants.
Your Procedure
Installing dental implants generally takes a few months to complete. This is because the patient’s mouth needs time to heal and form a bond with the implants before the false crowns can be attached. However, after the gums and jaw have healed, the crowns are placed over the abutments and the process is complete.
Schedule a Consultation Today
To find out if dental implants are right for you, visit the office of Dr. Latha Subramanian, DDS in Mountain View, CA. Dr. Subramanian will help determine what is best for you based on your specific needs. Contact us today to schedule a consultation to learn more about the benefits of dental implants.
