If you have broken or missing teeth, one of your best options to restore them is dental implants. In most cases, dental implants look and function like normal teeth. But how exactly do dental implants work and who is a good fit for this dental procedure?

Dental Implant Basics

Dental implants in Jacksonville and throughout the country are a form of treatment for teeth that are missing or broken. Essentially, this procedure removes the entirety of the tooth, including its roots. 

In its place, dental care providers will implant strong metal posts that serve as the foundation for the forthcoming artificial tooth. The artificial tooth anchored by these metal posts is designed to look, feel, and function like a normal tooth. 

When you smile, people won’t be able to tell the artificial tooth from the other teeth. You’ll brush this tooth like the others at the end of the day. And you won’t need to do any special maintenance to the dental implant unless you have an issue with it.

Why Get Dental Implants?

Why should a person get dental implants?

Assuming you have a missing or broken tooth in your mouth, there are several benefits to this procedure, including:

·       Chewing ability. People who get dental implants are often surprised at how good chewing feels once the procedure is complete. Because they can bite and chew like normal, you feel a sense of immediate relief and eating experiences become objectively better. In addition, your mouth feels like normal again.

·       Better aesthetic smile. Some people choose to get dental implants because they want a better smile. They don’t want missing or broken teeth to make them self-conscious when smiling, nor do they want painfully fake artificial teeth to stand in their way.

·       Jawbone health. If you have a hole in your mouth where a tooth should be, your jawbone may heal or warp in a way that interferes with your overall jawbone health and your ability to chew and eat. Getting a dental implant fills the void, allowing your jawbone to function naturally – and preventing most of these negative outcomes.

·       Tooth stability. Dental implants can also help to increase the stability of your other teeth. If left alone, you may experience crowding or other issues that damage or otherwise interfere with your other teeth. Getting dental implants adds to overall tooth stability.

·       Overall quality of life. Overall, most people who choose to get dental implants do so because they want to improve their overall quality of life. Easier eating, a more complete smile, better dental health, and higher confidence all play a role in this.

Who Is a Good Fit for Dental Implants?

So who is a good fit for dental implants?

You’ll need to consider a few important variables, including:

·       Age. The older you get, the more likely you’ll be to have tooth problems that require you to consider dental implants. However, aging is also associated with slower healing speeds. The older you get, the longer it’s going to take you to recover from a dental implant procedure.

·       Health. You should also consider your overall health. If you’re dealing with other health ailments, it could artificially prolong the time it takes for the dental implant procedure to take effect. Additionally, if you suffer from certain health issues like a jawbone-related disease, you may not qualify for a dental implant procedure.

·       Smoking habits. Smoking can interfere with the healing process after getting a dental implant, so it’s an important habit to avoid after your procedure.

Most people will qualify for dental implant surgery. However, it’s still important to talk to your dentist about your qualifications and any specific risks you might face.

You’ll also want to consider the following:

·       Brand and provider. There are several different major brands of dental implants, and each brand offers some advantages and disadvantages. Similarly, different dental care providers offer varying levels of care. Choose your dental care provider and your brand carefully.

·       Timing. Dental implant surgery doesn’t require a long recovery period, but you will be out of commission for at least a few days. Consider the timing of your procedure carefully so you can recover fully.

·       Follow-up care. Keep in mind that dental implant procedures do require some follow-up care. You’ll need to follow the dentist’s instructions carefully if you want to avoid any complications. Fortunately, most of your responsibilities here will be simple.

So who exactly are dental implants for? Dental implants are a good option for most people who have missing, broken, or otherwise compromised teeth. These replacement teeth are designed as permanent and barely-noticeable solutions that can help you get back to a normal life. As long as you’re of reasonable age, in decent health, and willing to take care of your dental implant properly, you’ll likely qualify.