Dentists consider dental implants to be the ideal form of tooth replacement because they work and look just like real teeth, offer superior chewing power, and may last a lifetime with excellent care. If you’ve gone for years wearing dentures, you may still be able to upgrade your smile and your quality of life by using dental implants to replace your lost teeth for good. Here’s a brief guide to making the transition between traditional dental restorations and these modern and lifelike artificial teeth.
Dental implants can be an effective treatment for virtually anyone with healthy gums and sufficient bone mass in their jaws, and your dentist will look for these things when evaluating your mouth during your consultation. If they find that you are not a good candidate for implants at that time, you may be able to become one later after receiving restorative procedures such as gum disease therapy or reinforcing your jawbone with bone grafts. You’ll be ready to schedule your dental implant placement surgery after you have recovered from any preliminary treatments.
When you come into the office to have your dental implants placed, your dentist will begin the procedure by administering a local anesthetic to render the process completely painless, and you may also receive sedation treatments if you need a little more help sitting comfortably in the chair. Once the surgical area is numb and you are feeling relaxed, your dentist will make small incisions in your gums before placing titanium posts at strategic points within your jawbone to ensure a secure and reliable hold for your new teeth.
Many patients report that receiving dental implants is a much easier and more comfortable experience than having a tooth extracted. Once the procedure is over, your body will begin the process of osseointegration, during which the titanium post will fuse with the surrounding bone structure in your jaw to create a sturdy hold that can last for decades. However, the way you take care of your implant at this point will set the stage for how well it works and how long it lasts.
When recovering after receiving dental implants, strictly following your dentist’s postoperative instructions can help you enjoy a brief healing period while encouraging your implants to form a powerful bond with your jawbone. Keeping implants healthy for life also includes practicing excellent oral hygiene by flossing, brushing, and using antibacterial mouthwash every day while keeping up with your biannual dental exams and cleanings.
If you’re tired of the unreliable hold and elaborate cleaning rituals that come with traditional dentures, dental implants may be a great way to enhance your life and your smile. After a brief consultation, your dentist will be able to determine if implants can be a great treatment for you.
Dr. Ryan Weldon earned his dental degree at the Medical College of Georgia and was accepted into its General Practice Residency program, one of the most competitive of its kind in the country. He is proud to hold memberships with the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the Georgia Dental Association. His office in Rome provides general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as dental implant services. To book your dental implant consultation, contact the office online or dial (706) 232-2082.
Weldon Dental of Rome can be found along Martha Berry Blvd NE, near the intersection of N 5th Ave and W 11th Street. We’re only minutes away from the Publix Super Market at Charles High Square, Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center, and Heritage Park. If you see Divine Salon & Spa or The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy, you’re in the right place! We can’t wait to welcome you in soon and help you get started on a brighter, healthier smile.
