Are you wondering if dental implants are right for you and your dental health? Your dentist, Salem, NH, might be able to help you decide.
People over the
age of 65 have less than 20 teeth left, but anyone can suffer from tooth loss. Tooth loss creates difficulty eating, drinking, and speaking, and for many people, it hurts their self-esteem.
If you've had tooth loss, dental implants can improve your dental health. But what are dental implants, and how do you know if they're right for you?
If you've suffered from tooth loss, you're not alone, and there are options for you to restore your smile. Keep reading more about Dental Implants from a Dentist Salem NH.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are prosthodontics used to replace missing teeth. You can choose from a single implant, or multiples if you have several missing teeth. Dental implants are permanent because the implant fuses to your jaw bone, creating a stable foundation for the missing tooth.
Because the implant bonds with the jaw bone, you don't have to worry about it slipping and sliding around when you eat or speak. The implant stays firmly in place, looking and feeling like real teeth.
Dental implants contain three parts: the implant which is made of titanium, and an abutment that acts as a hook to hold the crown or replacement tooth in place.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants are a wonderful way to restore your mouth to its functionality. But what are some of the benefits you experience when you choose dental implants? Here are some reasons you should consider dental implants today.
Easy to Maintain
Dental implants stay put and don't move when you eat or speak. They require very little maintenance outside of normal care like brushing and flossing.
Keeping your annual dental appointments for regular dental care allows your dentist to inspect your implant and make sure there are no problems.
They're also convenient. When you're traveling or eating out, there's no need to take them out or give them extra cleaning. Dental implants allow you to live freely, without worrying about your teeth.
Prevents Bone Loss
Teeth are responsible for strengthening the jaw bone. When you lose teeth you slowly lose bone in your jaw as well. To keep your jaw bone strong and stable, you need a replacement tooth.
Dental implants stimulate jaw bone growth. When you replace your missing teeth with dental implants, you're preventing bone loss in your jaw.
Improved Oral Health
Dental implants can improve your oral health. Teeth support each other. When you lose a tooth, surrounding teeth begin to shift and can even cause facial sinking and crowding of the teeth.
When you replace the missing tooth with a dental implant, this provides support for the other teeth. With better support, your oral health improves because you can brush them completely and not worry about your other teeth moving.
Built for Long Term
Dental implants are durable and withstand regular use like chewing and speaking. When you take care of your dental implants, you can expect them to last many years and even a lifetime.
Appearance
Your dentist crafts your dental implant to look like your surrounding teeth. This is especially important for people who don't want others to know they have implants. Most people never notice implants at all because they look and feel like normal teeth.
Are Dental Implants Right for You?
Dental implants can improve your oral health, look great, and need very little maintenance. But are they right for you? Here are some ways to tell if you're a good candidate for dental implants.
Because the jaw plays a significant role in keeping your dental implants in place, you should have a generally healthy jaw bone. In some cases, your dentist may need to do a bone graft so you can have a stronger jaw.
Other dental diseases like periodontal disease and some cancers may disqualify you from dental implants. This is because you may catch an infection during the process, which could be detrimental to your health. You also need to be free from cavities and have strong gums.
Health
conditions like diabetes and other heart conditions may also make it difficult for you to get dental implants.
The procedure for dental implants requires surgery so you'll need to be in good health to withstand the surgery. You may need additional procedures like bone grafts, x-rays, or tooth extractions. The entire process may take up to eight months to complete.
Hygiene
Having good oral hygiene habits is also helpful if you're considering dental implants. Because you want to keep your implant in the best condition possible, already established healthy habits like brushing and flossing make caring for your implant easier. If you currently have trouble remembering to brush or floss, you can start creating better oral habits so you prolong the life of your implant.
Just as you should maintain healthy habits, it's a good idea to quit smoking or eating unhealthy foods that damage the enamel of your teeth. Smoking causes cancer and gum disease which increases the risk of losing your implant as well.
If you're unsure about whether or not dental implants are right for you, your dentist can discuss these matters with you and answer any questions you have. Even though dental implants are not right for everyone, there are other ways of replacing missing teeth so you can restore your smile.
Get Dental Implants From a Dentist in Salem, NH
Dental implants provide an opportunity for you to have healthier teeth and a smile you're proud of. You can get dental implants from a dentist in Salem, NH, and be on your way to living a life with beautiful teeth.
Are you curious if you're a candidate for dental implants?
Schedule a consultation with us today, and we'll help you get the process started.
