Dental implants are an effective way to replace missing teeth, and many people consider them to be more aesthetically pleasing and convenient than dentures. Whereas dentures are removable, dental implants are permanent—and they look just like natural teeth. If you’ve been thinking of talking to a cosmetic dentist about implants, here’s what you should know.
Dental implants can replace a full arch of missing teeth
Dentists often place implants to replace one, two, or three missing teeth in the same patient. In fact, they can replace all of the teeth on the upper and lower jaws, and you won’t necessarily need one post implanted for each crown. Your dentist will determine if you’re a good candidate for either the all-on-4 or all-on-6 techniques.
The above refers to the practice of fabricating a custom dental bridge with enough crowns to replace each missing tooth. The bridge is then affixed to either four or six dental implant posts, which are placed directly inside the jawbone. Thanks to this approach, patients can walk out of the dental office with brand new teeth in far less time than it would take to fabricate dentures!
You must be a non-smoker or willing to quit smoking
Smoking is problematic for many reasons. Not only does it cause oral cancer, gum disease, and tooth discoloration, it can also cause your dental implants to fail prematurely. This means they’ll have to be removed. In addition, smoking increases your risk of complications from oral surgery (along with every other type of surgery). It inhibits proper healing after surgery, as well. Furthermore, smoking causes the loss of bone mass, which may mean you lack sufficient jawbone density to support dental implants.
If you currently smoke, you could potentially still be a candidate for dental implants, but you absolutely must quit smoking first. Talk to your doctor about smoking cessation options.
Your dental implants don’t require special care
Unlike dentures, dental implants are permanently secured within the jawbone. They don’t require any special care. You’ll simply take care of them just as you would care for your natural teeth. Remember to brush your teeth at least twice daily and floss at least once daily. Even though crowns can’t develop cavities, it’s still possible to develop gum disease if you don’t practice good oral hygiene—and this may lead to the failure of your implants. In addition, don’t forget to see the dentist every six months for a professional cleaning and exam!
Schedule your consult for dental implants in Huntington
At Long Island Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry, we strive to make dental implants affordable and accessible to all. We believe everyone deserves a beautiful, complete smile that they aren’t afraid to show off. If you’re missing one or more teeth, or you’ve been told that you’re going to need an extraction, you’re invited to come talk to Dr. Nick or Dr. Elliot at our office in South Huntington, Long Island. Schedule your one-on-one consultation today!
Additional Resources:
- Mayo Clinic, Dental implant surgery, https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/dental-implant-surgery/about/pac-20384622
- American Academy of Implant Dentistry, Types of implants and techniques, https://www.aaid-implant.org/dental-implants/types-of-implants-and-techniques/
