Implants Q & A
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are small titanium or zirconium posts your dentist inserts into your gum tissue and jawbone to replace your natural tooth roots. During the healing process, the implant bonds to your jawbone, creating a stable base for your dental crowns or dentures.
Unlike alternative solutions for missing teeth, like dental bridges or dentures, implants are permanent once placed. You can care for them like your natural teeth, and they last for many years in most cases.
What are the benefits of dental implants?
By providing a secure base for your new teeth, dental implants offer several practical benefits:
Appearance
Dental implants anchor your prosthetic teeth in place, so they can’t shift in your mouth. This feature creates a natural look that can boost your confidence and self-esteem.
Oral hygiene
Implants allow easy access between teeth to brush and floss normally, which helps you maintain optimal oral hygiene.
Durability
Dental implants rarely need to be replaced and can last a lifetime when cared for properly.
Convenience
Since dental implants anchor your prosthetic teeth in place, they function like natural teeth. This eliminates the inconvenience of removing your dentures.
Eating and speaking
Poor-fitting dentures that shift in your mouth often cause you to mumble or slur your words. They also make it difficult to eat your favorite foods without pain or discomfort. Dental implants provide the security and stability you need to speak with confidence and eat the foods you love.
Comfort
When dentures don’t fit perfectly, they can shift on top of your gums, leading to pain, gum inflammation, and sores. Implants keep your teeth firmly in place, making them a comfortable alternative to traditional dentures.
How are dental implants placed?
Warminster Dental Arts uses digital CT scans — which combine hundreds of X-ray images to capture an accurate picture of your entire mouth — to see your tooth-supporting tissues, bone, and blood vessels at several different angles. This information allows Dr. Motwani to place your implants safely and accurately.
Once Dr. Motwani has mapped out your implant plan, you can expect to visit the office at least twice. During the first appointment, Dr. Motwani places your implants into your gum tissue.
As your mouth heals over the next three to six months, it gradually secures your implants in place. Next, Dr. Motwani takes highly accurate digital impressions of your teeth to create your dental crown or dentures.
After your crowns have been created, you’ll return for a final visit where Dr. Motwani attaches them to the implant’s abutment.
Dental implants can completely transform your smile into one you’ll love to show off. Call Warminster Dental Arts, or book an appointment online today.