If asked, everyone would love to remain with all their teeth intact till they die. Unfortunately, for most of us, this dream is eventually cut short and we start losing our teeth with age. This loss is mainly associated with poor dental care, which results in periodontal disease and tooth decay. In other cases, the loss can be attributed to physical damages to the teeth.

Back in earlier years, there were minimal solutions for addressing teeth loss. The best options were either dentures and bridges. However, times have changed. You now have the option of dental implants, which are surprisingly affordable, especially with the right medical insurance. Dental implants entail a surgical procedure that aims at fixing artificial teeth to an individual. The process involves replacing the root of your teeth with a metal-like screw that holds the artificial tooth to the jaw. This article will review the main aspects associated with this practice.

When Are Dental Implants a Good Option for You

Getting a dental implant is not a decision you can make on an impulse. You have to be sure you want one and why you need it. Having answers to these questions will help you make more informed decisions about whether it is right for you. It is advisable to visit adental implant specialistfor a consultation on what the procedure entails and the risks involved. However, from a general perspective, the following are situations where a dental implant may be right for you:

• When you have a certain missing teeth
• When missing teeth/ start impacting your speech and pronunciation
• When you have a strong jaw bone that is capable of accepting an implant
• When a bridge and dentures are not options you are willing to consider.

Stages Involved in The Dental Implant Procedure

The following are some of the important stages involved in the dental implant process. These stages may vary depending on the preferences of the specialist in charge. The main steps involved include:

Initial Consultation with Your Specialist

This step helps you familiarize yourself with the process. It also offers your specialist a chance to conduct tests on whether you qualify for the procedure. If everything is okay, you will come up with a plan on how to proceed.

Placement of the Dental Implant

This is the stage whereby the specialist fixes the implant into your jaw bone. There I nothing to fear about it because you will be basically sedated.

Healing Period

After the implant is fixed into the gum, you will be given time for your gum to heal. During this time, your gum is expected to completely heal and integrate with the implants. Make sure to maintain your dental appointments so that your specialist can check for possible infections. This stage may even take six months, especially if the abutment was placed at the same time as the implants.

Attachment of The Custom-Made Teeth

This stage entails fitting the already custom made crown into your implant. These teeth are made to match your natural teeth so that no one can spot the difference.

Follow Up Care

Make sure that you keep visiting your specialist for them to check on the status of your implant. Be sure to mention any discomfort that may have developed after the procedure.

Advantages of Dental Implant

Dental implants are considered a costly aspect of dental care. So, what benefits would make you consider it:

• Better speech and pronunciation
• Better oral health
• There is no hassle of constantly removing them such as dentures
• Improved self-esteem
• Improved comfort while eating

In conclusion, a dental implant involves a surgical procedure of fixing artificial teeth to your jaw. This process can only be done by a specialist in several stages. The benefits of undertaking the procedure outweigh its risks.