Are missing teeth keeping you from enjoying your life to the fullest? Do you cover your mouth when you talk so others can’t see the gaps in your smile? Would you like to enjoy all your favorite foods without worrying about whether you can chew them? If you answered yes to any of these questions, dental implants may be your tooth replacement solution.
With dental implants, you can enjoy both beauty and functionality. Your new implants will look and feel like your natural teeth, and you can once again look forward to smiling in pictures. In this guide to dental implants, you can learn how dental clinics in Aurora, Illinois, provide expert smile makeovers for their patients.
Replacing Your Missing Teeth with Dental Implants
Tooth implants are considered the gold standard for replacing missing teeth. A dental implant is a titanium post surgically placed into your jawbone. Some of the many benefits of dental implants are as follows:
Prevents bone loss—Dental implants stimulate your jaw, helping to prevent bone loss. No other tooth replacement can help you maintain jawbone density.
Matches your remaining teeth—Dental implants are customized to blend with the shape and color of your other teeth. You can enjoy a seamless smile, and no one will know which teeth are implants.
Restores your bite—Once you get dental implants, you can bite down and chew with the force of your natural teeth. They are anchored into your jaw and mimic your tooth’s root.
Prevents facial sagging—Replacing your missing teeth with implants supports your facial structure and keeps it from sagging.
Enables natural speech—With missing teeth or removable dentures, you may have difficulty speaking properly. With dental implants, you can enjoy speaking easily and without issues.
Prevents decay—Your replacement teeth are made of materials that can’t decay, so you won’t have to worry about cavities with dental implants.
Supports adjacent teeth—Replacing your missing teeth will keep your other teeth from shifting into the open spaces, which can cause misalignment.
Understanding the Procedure
Once your dentist has taken x-rays and determined your candidacy for dental implants, here’s what you can expect from the procedure:
- First, your dentist will completely numb the area where your dental implant will be placed. You won’t feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure.
- Next, once you are comfortable, the titanium implant will be placed into an opening in your gums. Once the implant is in place, a temporary crown will cover it while it heals.
- Over the next several months, your jawbone will fuse with the implant in a process known as osseointegration.
- Once your jaw is healed, you will return to have your prosthetic tooth attached to the dental implant. Your dentist will add a connector, known as an abutment, before adding a dental crown or bridge.
Recovering after Tooth Implants
You may have minor swelling, discomfort, and bleeding after your implant procedure, so follow these recovery tips to help:
- Rest for a day or two after implant surgery, keeping your head elevated.
- Place an ice pack on the surgical site to reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water after the first day.
- Eat soft foods such as yogurt, eggs, smoothies, mashed potatoes, and soup.
- Take over-the-counter pain medications or any other medications your dentist prescribes.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- Gently brush and floss your teeth after the first day.
Are You Considering Dental Implants in Aurora, IL?
If you would like more information about how dental implants can replace your teeth and make you look forward to smiling again, we would be happy to assist you! At Prairie Dental Care, our goal is to help you combine optimal oral health with a beautiful smile. When you’re ready to learn more, contact our dental office at (630) 907-0330 to schedule a consultation.
We can’t wait to see you smile!