Dental implants are increasingly used by people who have lost their teeth, providing a permanent, more natural solution to dentures and bridges. Nowadays, people in Amherst are increasingly learning about the advantages of endosseous implants, which have enabled them to restore the function and appearance of their smiles.

As implants can enhance chewing, speaking, and other oral functions, their use goes beyond mere aesthetic correction. They also provide a definitive solution to dental problems and help prevent conditions such as bone loss. Regardless of whether an individual is missing one or several teeth, endosseous implants offer a brilliant solution to restore one’s smile to its original beauty.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are artificial roots that are placed in your jawbone to support a crown, bridge, or denture. Compared to bridges and dentures, implants are considered to have a longer lifespan and are anchored in your jawbone rather than resting on it. This starts with a consultation with your implant dentist to assess your jawbone and overall oral health.

After being deemed fit and ready for this procedure, the dentist will embed the implant in the bone, which will then integrate with the bone over time. This is called osseointegration and ensures it remains fixed in position for several years without posing a threat to your new smile if you had opted for other dental work, such as a crown or denture.

Why Choose Dental Implants?

Endosseous implants have become a favored and trusted solution for patients in Amherst and surrounding areas due to their many advantages. No matter how many teeth you want to replace with dental implants in Amherst, this option is the best and Healthiest Way to Improve Your Smile:

1. Durability 

Endosseous implants are designed to last a long time. With proper maintenance, they can last for many decades, making tooth replacement very economical.

2. Natural Look and Feel

Implants are designed to match the color, shape, and size of natural teeth for a harmonious blend with a natural smile.

3. Enhanced Functionality

Unlike dentures, endosseous implants are implantable and unmovable. They function as if they were natural teeth, thereby facilitating functions such as eating, speaking, and smiling without hindrance.

4. Jawbone Preservation

Implants promote jawbone health by preventing further destruction that may result from lost teeth, thereby maintaining the structure of your jaw and face, which is essential for oral health.

Are Dental Implants Right for You?

Implants can be a great solution for patients with missing teeth, but they are not suitable for everyone. To know whether getting endosseous implants is a good idea for you, you need to consider certain aspects. Below is a piece on things you should know when opting for implants:

1. Healthy Gum Tissue and Jawbone: One of the most important considerations for successful implant procedures is the health of your gum tissue and jawbone. If you have gum disease or a lack of adequate bone density, you may need to have these problems remedied prior to implant surgery.
2. Overall Good Health: While denture candidates are mostly people, some, such as those with uncontrolled diabetes or heart problems, may not be suitable because these conditions may influence the healing process. This is carried out by your dentist.
3. Non-Smokers/Smokers: Smoking may hinder the healing process or lower the success rate of implants. Even if you’re a smoker, you should consider consulting with your dentist about how stopping smoking may increase the chances of success. 
4. Commitment to Oral Hygiene: Implants have to be taken care of, and it’s necessary to have a commitment to oral hygiene in order to have a long-lasting implant.

The Process of Getting Dental Implants

The procedure for getting implant dentures is carefully planned and provides long-lasting results. And every stage is properly handled by an experienced implant dentist, ensuring the best results. Here are some steps that you are likely to go through:

1. Initial Consultation: During your initial visit, you will be assessed for oral health. This is where the structure of gums, teeth, and jawbone tissues is observed. Your jawbone may also be scanned via X-rays or 3D imaging.
2. Implant Placement: The next step is to place the titanium implant in the individual’s jawbone. This is carried out under local anesthesia to ensure that the individual is pain-free throughout the process.
3. Healing and Integration: Once the implant is put in place, you will require time to heal. During this period, the implant will bond to the jawbone through a process called osseointegration. Normally, osseointegration takes a few months.
4. Restoration: After your body has fully accepted the implant, your dentist will place a custom-made crown, bridge, or denture on top of it. Be assured that at this stage, your fully restored tooth will look very natural and function as intended.

Dental Implants Aftercare

Taking good care of your endosseous implants is crucial to keeping them as long as possible. By doing this, you will find that your implants can function as well as your natural teeth. Here are a number of tips to help you take good care of your implants:

1. Regular Brushing and Flossing: Just as you do with your own teeth, your implants will need to be brushed twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. Flossing daily will help keep the areas around your endosseous implants clean and free of plaque buildup.
2. Routine Dental Checkups: Visiting the implant dentist regularly is important to ensure the implants remain healthy. When you visit the implant dentist, he or she examines the condition of the implants and cleans hard-to-reach areas to prevent potential damage.
3. Avoid Hard Foods: Even with implants, one should avoid hard foods that could damage them. Examples of such foods include sticky ice or candies, as one should not bite down on them.

Return to Confidence: Your Confident Smile

Dental implants provide a permanent solution for individuals seeking to restore their smiles and improve their dental health. Whether it is one tooth or several, this procedure can help you regain function and confidence.

Are you ready for the next step toward a healthier, more beautiful smile? Then give us a call today at Amherst Neighborhood Dentistry to set up a consultation! Our implant dentist is here to walk you through every step of the process so you can feel comfortable with what is happening along the way. Don’t wait, let us help you get the smile you have always wanted!

Questions People Ask About Dental Implants

How long do dental implants last?

Dental implants are designed to last a lifetime with proper care. The crown attached to the implant may need to be replaced every 10-15 years, but the implant itself can last much longer.

Is the dental implant procedure painful?

Most patients report minimal discomfort during and after the procedure due to local anesthesia. Some mild soreness may occur as you heal, but this can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.

Can dental implants be used for multiple missing teeth?

Yes, dental implants can be used to support single or multiple teeth. Implants can be connected to form a bridge or attached to a denture, providing a full restoration for those missing several teeth.

Who is a candidate for dental implants?

Ideal candidates for dental implants should have healthy gums, adequate bone structure, and no underlying health issues that could affect healing. Your implant dentist will assess these factors before moving forward with the procedure.