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For replacing a tooth, dental implants provide the most natural-looking and durable replacement option on the market. They are the only comprehensive solution since they address both the visible missing tooth and the missing tooth root under the gums. The presence of a replacement tooth root anchors the new tooth in place and protects against bone loss that occurs when teeth are missing to help preserve facial structure and overall appearance.
WHAT ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS?
Dental Implants are tiny titanium posts that are surgically inserted into the jawbone where there are missing teeth. These metal anchors act as tooth root substitutes. The titanium stimulates bone growth which firmly bonds the implant to the bone. The titanium posts that protrude through the gums provide stable anchors for the crown, replacing the tooth above the gum line.
Dental implants give the appearance of natural teeth while also providing the feel and function of real teeth. Which gives you the confidence to smile, eat, and communicate freely in social environments without the embarrassment of missing teeth.
SURGICAL DENTAL IMPLANT PROCEDURE
The dental implant will require two different surgical procedures. First, the dental implant will be placed into the jawbone. Then a healing period will be required for the dental implant to bond firmly with the bone. While the implant is healing our dentist will have your new teeth formed at a state-of-the-art dental lab.
After your dental implant has fully healed the dentist will then place a post to the implant that will protrude through the gum. This post will then be capped by the crown which was formed in the lab. Providing you with a new natural-looking and feeling tooth.
Schedule and Dental Implant Consultation Today!
We can answer any dental implant questions you have. Call Valley Dental today to arrange an initial dental implant consultation with one of our experienced implant dentists in the El Paso, TX area: (915) 598-7264.
How to Take Care of Dental Implants
Dental implants are currently the best option available for restoring missing teeth. Implants can last a lifetime with the proper care. Of course, like any type of restoration, they do require a little care and attention. Knowing how to keep your implants looking and functioning their best is important for ensuring you get the maximum return on your investment.
How to look after your dental implants after surgery
Good oral hygiene is essential to successful healing. If prescribed by your dentist, use chlorhexidine mouthwash. The day after surgery, warm salt-water rinses are also recommended and should be used four to five times a day, especially after meals. Be gentle when using mouthwashes and avoid vigorous swilling. Your dentist may encourage you to start cleaning your teeth and healing abutments with a toothbrush straight away, but be careful around the implant sites.
Maintain a proper oral hygiene regimen
Once your new implants and the surrounding gum have healed, and your replacement teeth have been fitted, they must be cared for in the same way as normal, natural teeth. To keep your teeth and gums healthy, brush twice daily, floss, and regularly visit your dentist and hygienist.
If tooth cleaning is poor, bacteria can build up and cause inflammation. If left untreated, the inflammation can cause bone loss around the implant. Eventually, the implant loses anchorage in the bone, becomes loose, and can fall out.
How long do dental implants last?
You may have heard that dental implants can last for about 25 years or more. This is true as long as you take adequate care of them. Note that the longevity of your dental implant depends on several factors, which include:
- Your oral practices. How well you take care of and maintain your dental implant, like brushing and flossing at least twice daily and making a biannual visit to the dental office, will influence how long your dental implant will last.
- How you use your teeth. Chewing or biting hard on hard items, and also opening a cork with your teeth will negatively affect the lifespan of your implant.
- How skillful the dentist who managed the implant is. If your implant surgery is handled by a well-trained and experienced dentist, your dental implant would last longer. This is because professional dentists know how to place the implant perfectly, evaluate the osseointegration progress and determine if your jawbone has completely fused with the implant.
- Location of the implant. The location of the dental implant in your mouth will also determine the longevity of your dental implant. For instance, implants positioned at the back of the mouth will receive more pressure due to chewing than those positioned in the front. As a result, the implant at the back of the mouth may fail more quickly than those at the front of the mouth.
- Your general oral health and lifestyle. Patients who smoke or drink heavily are at a higher risk of experiencing implant failure than non-smokers and non-drinkers. Hence, in order to ensure that your dental implant lasts as long as possible, refrain from smoking and drinking heavily before and after the placement of the implant.
If you have further questions about the dental implant procedure, contact us or schedule a visit with our professional and caring dentist for answers. We are always here for you.
Schedule a dental implant consultation
Schedule a dental implant consultation today by calling us at (915) 598-7264, or visiting our Contact Us page to send us a message. Our staff is highly qualified and ready to answer any questions you have about dental implants, treatments, insurance, or financing options. We can’t wait to see you smile!
