All You Need to Know about Dental Implants
If you lose any number of teeth, it could negatively impact your oral health, your confidence, and your overall well being. Whether you’re missing a single tooth or all of your teeth there are a few different options for replacement, but at Torrance Dentistry, we believe dental implants is the best consideration if you want natural looking teeth that feel good in your mouth.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant differs from any other replacement option because it treats the entire tooth structure. A titanium post is strategically placed into the jawbone to support an all-ceramic restoration, which is attached to the implant using an abutment. Your bone will integrate with the post, allowing it to stay in place for decades with the right aftercare. This allows you to chew your favorite foods without worry of a weak jawbone or a shifting restoration. Thanks to their many oral and overall health benefits, dentists recommend them over virtually all other options to those who are eligible.
The Dental Implant Process
If you have lost a tooth or two over the years, you have more options than ever to rehabilitate your smile; however, only one solution recreates everything from the root up. Don’t know how dental implants work? That’s ok. We’ll explain everything during your initial consultation, including each step in your treatment plan, so you understand exactly what to expect while on your journey to a complete smile.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Replacing Tooth Roots: Dental implants are the only kind of restoration that stimulates your jaw to prevent the deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.
- Enhanced Diet: You’ll be able to eat and drink anything you want thanks to the strength and stability of your new teeth.
- Durability: With minimal maintenance, you can expect your dental implant to last for decades without needing to be replaced.
- Preserve Natural Teeth: Unlike a traditional dental bridge, there’s no need to make any alterations to your remaining teeth before a dental implant is placed.
Who Can Dental Implants Help
You may be a candidate for dental implants if you’re missing at least one tooth. We’ll recommend a different number of implant posts and different kinds of restorations depending on the situation.
Missing One Tooth
With a single dental implant, we can replace your missing tooth with an all-ceramic dental crown. The crown will be shaded so that it matches your natural teeth, and the metal implant post will be hidden beneath the gum line; most people won’t even realize that you have a false tooth.
Missing Multiple Teeth
Three or more teeth in a row can be replaced by a dental bridge supported by two implants. A bridge consists of two crowns that support one or more prosthetic teeth. This is a cost-effective solution when the gap in your smile is too wide for a single crown to fill.
Missing All Teeth
You can get implant dentures if all the teeth in your upper or lower arch are missing. They’re fixed in place, so you won’t have to worry about them slipping. You can also get removable overdentures that can still be cleaned outside the mouth while still enjoying the benefits of dental implants.
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
When getting new teeth that will let you eat and speak freely again, all patients need to take the overall cost of dental implants in Torrance, CA into account. That’s why it’s important to ask, “How much do dental implants cost?” during the initial consultation, and if you need financial assistance we can help. Our dentist can walk you through the process so that you understand the costs incurred at each stage. Your new smile will be well worth it!
Dental Implant Post-Op Instructions
Like with any surgery, you can normally expect some discomfort for a few days; prescription painkillers or over-the-counter medications can be used as directed while you’re recovering. Plan on eating mashed potatoes, applesauce, and other soft foods for at least a few days. Do not use a straw for at least 24 hours; doing so could knock the blood clot loose from the treatment site and delay healing. Call us at Torrance Dentistry if your pain is getting worse after 5 to 7 days.