What are dental implants?
Dental implants are titanium posts placed beneath your gums. They integrate with your jaw and provide a firm foundation for dental restorations like crowns, a fixed bridge, or overdentures.
Dental implants look, feel, and act like your natural, permanent teeth. With good oral hygiene and routine dental checkups, they often last a lifetime and present few, if any, complications.
What are the advantages of dental implants?
Dental implants provide numerous advantages, including:
- Easier biting and chewing
- Convenience
- Durability
- Improved oral health
Dental implants can also make you appear younger. If you’re missing some or all of your teeth, the skin around your mouth tends to wrinkle and fold. Implants restore structure to your jaw, preventing loose skin from sagging.
What does getting dental implants involve?
At Dr. Robert Davidson, DDS, P.C., getting dental implants takes at least three appointments:
First appointment
During your initial consultation, Dr. Davidson conducts an oral exam, asks about your goals for treatment, and takes a series of X-rays. He uses X-rays to assess the health of your gums and jaw and to guide implant placement.
If your mouth appears healthy, Dr. Davidson administers a local anesthetic and places several implants beneath your gums. The number you get depends on how many teeth are missing and the type of restoration desired.
Second appointment
Several months later, when the implants fuse to your jaw, you return to the practice. Dr. Davidson takes digital impressions of your mouth and sends them to a dental laboratory that manufactures your crowns, bridge, or overdentures.
Third appointment
When the lab completes your restorations, you return to the practice for the final time. Dr. Davidson again administers a local anesthetic, lines up your restorations with the implants, and carefully secures them. Afterward, he polishes your teeth and provides care instructions.
How do I care for dental implants?
You treat dental implants like they’re your natural teeth. To prevent the buildup of plaque, tartar, and harmful bacteria, brush and floss regularly, and visit Dr. Davidson at least two times a year for an oral exam and professional teeth cleaning.
To prevent damage to your implants, wear a mouthguard when playing contact sports like football, ice hockey, or rugby. In addition, avoid bad habits like chewing on ice cubes or opening objects with your teeth.
To further explore dental implants, make an appointment at the practice of Dr. Robert Davidson, DDS, P.C. by calling the office to speak with a caring administrative staff member or by clicking the online booking tool.
