Our smile is a feature that makes us unique, and a part that people see when we first meet them, so losing a tooth can be so detrimental to our self-confidence – it can leave us hiding our smiles and being overly aware of how we look. Thankfully, there are ways of improving our smiles quickly and easily so we can boost our self-esteem, like veneers in Turkey and dental implants. Read on as we take a look at dental implants, the benefits and how long they last.
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a permanent solution that is used to fill a gap in the teeth that may be left if you have had a tooth removed, or if you have suffered an injury that has resulted in the loss of a tooth. It is made up of two parts, a porcelain crown that is made to look just like a natural tooth and can be matched to suit the natural colour of the rest of your teeth. This sits on top of a titanium screw that is then implanted into the jawbone to act as a root, and in time, your jawbone will fuse around it, holding the implant firmly in place. This type of dental implant is a perfect, permanent solution that can be used to replace a few teeth, or just one, and they can be used instead of dentures.
What are the benefits?
If you are thinking about choosing to have a dental implant, but you’re not quite sure if the option is for you, here are some of the benefits that you might find if you choose to have the procedure.
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- Boost self-esteem: Having a gap in your smile can make you feel self-conscious. You might find that you smile less, or you cover your mouth when talking. An implant means that you can restore your smile to how it was with ease, and because it is fixed into your gum, you don’t have to worry about any slippage when you speak.
- Improved speech: Losing a tooth can have an impact on the way you sound when you talk, and if you choose to replace missing teeth with dentures, you might find yourself mumbling or slurring your words – an implant means you can talk normally, and no one will ever know the difference.
- Eating: Having a gap may mean that you avoid eating some of your favourite foods – choosing to get an implant means you can enjoy all foods without having to think about whether you can chew them, or whether they will cause you pain.
- Durability: Dental implants are a permanent fixture within your mouth, and if you take care of them properly, they can last you a lifetime.
The procedure
If you decide that dental implants would suit you best, there are a couple of steps you will have to go through to get you to the procedure itself. You will first have to go through an initial consultation, in which you can get an idea of the estimated cost of the treatment, and you’ll be able to ask any questions you have. You will then have an assessment to see if you are suitable to have dental implants, which will include X-rays of the mouth to create a model of your teeth. You may also need another scan to determine how much bone you have in your jaw.
If you decide to go ahead, then your procedure will take place at your chosen dentist and is usually pain-free. Your mouth will be numbed, and the implant will be inserted. You may need to wait for your gum to heal before the crown is attached, so you can get the best results!
How long do they last?
Dental implants are long-lasting and durable, and they should be looked after just as you would your normal teeth. Taking the time to look after them with brushing, flossing and regular dentist visits means that your implants are likely to last you a lifetime! They are a permanent solution that we can use as an alternative to dentures, to avoid slippage and fill a gap with the best and most natural-looking results.
