When faced with the inability to eat the foods you love, speak clearly, and smile confidently, you might feel more dread than excitement when it comes to celebrating the holidays. Tooth loss can make these special times even more difficult, especially if you feel too embarrassed to be around others. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be that way any longer thanks to dental implants. If you’re wondering what makes these prosthetics so special, read on to discover why you no longer need to miss out on holidays spent with family and friends.
What Makes Dental Implants Superior?
Unlike traditional fixed bridges and dentures that replace only the visible crowns of teeth and require adjustments and replacements every few years, dental implants offer a more permanent approach.
When treating tooth loss of all kinds, these titanium prosthetics go beneath the gumline to fuse with the bone tissues, creating complete root-to-crown tooth replacements. Biocompatible and mimicking the function of natural tooth roots, dental implants help to stimulate the bone so that it does not collapse over time.
This results in a more youthful appearance as well as improved oral health because of the reduced risk of gum disease and additional tooth loss.
What is the Process of Receiving Dental Implants?
The important thing to remember is that receiving dental implants requires patience. It is not something that happens overnight but instead, it requires several months, as the posts and bone must properly fuse, which can take anywhere from 4-6 months.
While you may have to experience one more Thanksgiving without a full set of teeth, you can begin the process now by scheduling a consultation with your implant dentist. It is during this visit that they will determine if you need preliminary treatments (i.e., gum disease therapy, bone grafting, tooth extraction, etc.) and which type of restoration you will need.
Once cleared for dental implant surgery, you will meet with a trusted professional who will place the appropriate number of implant posts into your jawbone before sending you home to recover. Osseointegration must occur, which is the fusing of the implants to the bone, before receiving your metal abutments, which are connector appliances that attach the restoration to the implants.
When ready, your finalized restoration (i.e., crown, bridge, or denture) will be secured on top of the implant posts, leaving you with a healthier, complete, and fully functional smile. Not to mention, your appearance will leave you with lasting confidence.
So, as you look to the future and envision what it will be like to enjoy the taste of turkey, vegetables, stuffing, and all other delectable holiday foods, start the process now so that you can show off your new and improved smile this time next year.
About the Practice
Piney Point Dental Implant Center wants all patients to enjoy the holiday season. While wearing restorations of any kind can be tricky, we can provide helpful tips to reduce your potential oral health problems and keep your smile right on track. We can also discuss your options for tooth replacement if you want your smile to be the focal point a year from now. Visit our website or call (713) 597-7340 to learn more about dental implants and what they can do for you.