Dental implants are an amazing option for people who have experienced tooth loss. This type of tooth replacement has changed the lives of many people, improving their self-esteem and their quality of life. They are one of the greatest inventions in modern dentistry and offer several benefits for people with missing teeth.
What happens after you lose a tooth?
To understand all the benefits of acquiring dental implants in Lethbridge, you should know what happens after losing a tooth and why it is important to replace it. As soon as you lose a tooth, the gums and bone beneath it start to degenerate. The gums start to shrink and the jawbone starts to deteriorate. As you lose more teeth, this tissue deterioration spreads and can progress until your entire jaw starts to recede, which makes you look much older. Also, your teeth support your facial features. If your teeth are missing your cheeks won’t have any support and will look sunken.
On the other hand, missing teeth can make it difficult to eat. Each tooth in your mouth has a specific role in the process of chewing. For example, your incisors help you cut your food, while your molars allow you to grind it. Missing one of your teeth can make this process difficult. People who have lost many teeth often have to modify their diets and only eat soft foods that are easy to chew, and as a result, end up having nutritional deficiencies.
Replacing missing teeth is very important for both functional and aesthetic reasons. Therefore, it is a good idea to visit a dentist in Lethbridge if you are in this situation, especially since replacing the tooth soon after losing it can help preserve the tissues that surround it.
How can dental implants help?
The reason why dental implants are considered to be the best tooth-replacement option is that they replace your entire tooth, including the root. They have three parts: the body, the abutment, and the crown. The crown is the visible part of the implant, that looks just like a natural tooth. It is attached to the abutment, which connects it to the body and this is the most important part of the implant since it replaces the root and provides stability.
What are the specific benefits of implants?
The main reason why you should obtain dental implants near you is the effect they have on your jaw. Since dental implants replace the tooth’s root, they constantly stimulate the jawbone, which results in bone growth. Therefore, this tissue doesn’t deteriorate or recede. Also, the implants are supported directly by the bone and are not anchored to your natural teeth like other types of tooth replacement such as dentures.
How long does it take to acquire dental implants?
It all depends on the case, so you should visit a dental clinic near you to receive an estimate. However, it can take a couple of months. In the first session, your dentist will open your gums and insert the implant body into your jawbone. After this, you will have to wait for 8 to 12 weeks for the bone to grow around the implant, until it is secure enough for the next step. Once this is achieved, your dentist will once again open your gums and attach the abutment. Your gums will need a couple of weeks to recover and afterward, the dental crown is placed.
How long do dental implants last?
With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. However, to ensure this, you should have routine checkups with your dentist, as well as maintain excellent oral health to avoid gum disease which can reduce the lifespan of implants.