If you're missing teeth, dental implants provide the only permanent tooth restoration solution. Through this procedure, implants replace tooth roots with titanium screws, which heal within the jaw before being outfitted with abutments and dental crowns. If you're considering this treatment option, learn more about it below to determine if it's right for your dental health requirements.

Common Questions About Dental Implants

What does the procedure involve?

While no two are the same, implant procedures generally involve extracting worn, broken, or decayed teeth before inserting titanium screws. The screws get embedded in cleaned tooth sockets as replacement roots, and they take six to 12 weeks to heal. Once your gum tissue has sufficiently grown over the sockets, connector posts called abutments are inserted to create attachments for natural-looking dental crowns or caps.

How are implants different than dentures?

Despite exciting strides in dentures over the last few decades, dental implants are often more desireable solutions because they keep gum tissue and the underlying bone stimulated. Unless gum and jawbone tissue has real or faux tooth roots to keep them active, both will deteriorate, resulting in a "sunken in" facial appearance. Dental implants also look and function like real teeth to prevent eating and speaking difficulties.

What other benefits do they provide?

In addition to an improved appearance, decreased speaking issues, and easier eating, you'll also feel extra confident with dental implants, as you won't have to worry about people noticing your missing or damaged teeth. Additionally, you don't have to worry about your dentures loosening during a conversation. Finally, implants are as easy to care for as natural teeth.

What will my recovery be like?

Recovering from your procedure rarely takes more than a few days as your jawbone and gum tissue get used to their new tooth roots. However, since anesthesia is used during the procedure, you must arrange transportation home. Mild soreness from surgery is common and is usually easy to relieve with over-the-counter painkillers. Your dentist will also recommend recovery practices to hasten the healing process.

If dental implants sound right for you, talk to a dentist at Daleville Dental LLC about your candidacy. This family dentistry serves patients throughout Dale County, AL, and the surrounding areas, providing preventive, restorative, and cosmetic solutions. Call (334) 598-4994 today to schedule an appointment, or learn more about their restorative dentistry options online.