ALL THE REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD BE LOOKING INTO DENTAL IMPLANTS
A big factor in a beautiful, healthy smile is having all of your teeth. Even a single missing tooth, whether the empty space is visible or hidden in your back teeth affects the health and appearance of your grin. The fantastic news is that using modern dental implants, you can replace one, several, or all your teeth with restorations that look natural and don’t require special care. Our team of dental professionals at DentalWorks – Cary Crossroads is happy to be able to offer many different types of restorations supported by dental implants for our patients in Cary, NC. If you’re missing one tooth or more, read on to learn about the advantages of dental implants, the different implant and restoration choices, what determines who is a good candidate for dental implants, how implants are placed, and how you care for your implants as soon as they’re in. If you are ready to learn more about implant-supported restorations after reading this guide, contact our office in Cary, NC to schedule an oral health evaluation and implant consultation.
BENEFITS OF DENTAL IMPLANTS OVER TRADITIONAL RESTORATIONS
Traditional restorations for missing teeth (removable dentures and dental bridges) have helped people for a long time, but now, there’s a newer, better choice. Traditional restorations require particular care, come with food restrictions, and often don’t feel stable or look natural. Furthermore, without the tooth root to stimulate the jaw and gums, atrophy sets in and eventually affects the health and appearance of your mouth. Implant-supported restorations keep the jaw and gum tissue stimulated while giving a stable base for the custom restoration. Implant-supported restorations can be treated like your natural teeth, which means no food restrictions and no soaking.
KINDS OF IMPLANT-SUPPORTED RESTORATIONS
Depending on you simply need one tooth replaced, several, or all of them, DentalWorks – Cary Crossroads offers a wide range of restorations supported by dental implants.
CANDIDATES FOR IMPLANT-SUPPORTED RESTORATIONS
Before you’re able to get dental implants, your dentist in Cary, NC will need to find out whether you are an ideal candidate. Generally, you will need to have good oral health, which includes strong gums and a thick jawbone. If your gums and/or jaw are not strong enough and cannot support an implant, your dentist may recommend gum or bone grafting. A graft will add to your total treatment time, but it will help make sure your implant is secure in your mouth before your restoration is connected. Implant candidates should not use tobacco products (vaping, smoking, or chewing) since this will slow down the attachment of the implant to the gums and jawbone.
HOW IMPLANTS ARE PLACED
Implanted restorations can take somewhat more time than traditional restorations, but most patients find that the results are worth it. After your dentist has determined you are a good candidate for dental implants, they will make a schedule for your treatment plan. If needed, dental extractions, gum grafts, and/or bone grafts will be performed to prepare your mouth. Then, your implant surgery could be scheduled. Usually performed with IV sedation, the dentist will screw the metal post(s) into strategic points through the gum tissue and into your jawbone. They will also take physical or digital impressions, which will be sent to a dental laboratory to help them design and make your custom restoration. After oral surgery, your mouth might feel a little sore as your gums and jawbone integrate with the post(s). It’s important to follow all the post-surgical instructions given by your dentist to help prevent an infection and recover faster. It will take roughly 3 – 6 months before the post(s) is strong enough. During this time, your dentist will likely place a temporary restoration or cover over the post for protection. Once your dentist determines the post(s) is strong enough, they will attach your custom-made crown, bridge, partial, or denture. Minor adjustments may be required to make sure your implanted restoration is comfortable and secure. It can take a little time for you to adjust to your implant-supported restoration, but with time, you should be smiling, eating, and talking with ease.
HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR IMPLANTED RESTORATION
One of the biggest advantages of an implant-supported restoration is that it should be cared for just like your natural teeth. That includes brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled brush as well as flossing daily. Many dentists also advise rinsing your mouth in the afternoon with mouthwash to help rinse away plaque, bacteria, and debris. Besides a fantastic home oral care routine, you must visit a dentist in Cary, NC at least twice a year for an annual oral health evaluation and bi-annual professional cleaning. During these visits, your dentist can check the health and wear of your implant-supported restoration. They will let you know if the restoration and/or implant needs to be repaired or replaced.
DENTAL IMPLANTS CAN RESTORE THE HEALTH AND BEAUTY OF YOUR SMILE
Restorations supported by implants have improved the lives of many men and women in Cary, NC. If you are missing any number of teeth and are thinking about restoring your smile with an implanted restoration, contact DentalWorks – Cary Crossroads to schedule an oral health evaluation and consultation. Our team of dental professionals will work with you to find out whether you are a good candidate and develop your personalized treatment plan that will get you on the path to a beautiful smile with a custom restoration supported by dental implants.
