Dental implants are a way to replace your natural teeth. Implants work much like your natural teeth and can be long-lasting if you take good care of them. Dental implants can replace just one tooth, or they can replace all of your teeth if you would prefer them over dentures. If you have a missing tooth/teeth, and you are looking to have it/them replaced, there are a number of things you should know beforehand. Read on for what you can expect with dental implants and other information to use as a guide.

What Are Dental Implants

Dental implants are a cosmetic implant where a metal anchor is inserted into the jawbone and a metal post is screwed into the anchor. Then a faux tooth or crown sits on top of the metal post. The dental implant is surgically inserted into the jawbone to be fused before the post and crown can be added. This is to prevent any slipping of the anchor or other issues prior to the implant being complete. A dental implant can mimic your natural teeth and can be used just as you would use your natural teeth.

What You Should Expect With This Surgery

Dental implants are implanted with dental surgery that is usually performed in the office. It is a process in which the anchor is first inserted, then the post, then the crown, and all of this can take a month or longer to complete. You should be aware of the time frame before you have this procedure performed, so you are aware that you will be without a tooth or teeth for some time. If you are having a tooth pulled, you may have to have time for the area to heal before you can receive the dental implant. You will have some pain at the site and swelling as well after the anchor is inserted into the jaw. You will also more than likely only want to eat soft foods for some time afterward as well, as chewing may be difficult.

If you have a missing tooth or teeth, and you are looking to replace the tooth/teeth, you may want to consider dental implants. They can mimic your natural teeth, do not have to be removed, they will not move or slip like dentures, and they can be more manageable than dentures. There is more involved in getting dental implants than with dentures, so you should be aware of what is involved and what you should expect. Talk to your dentist about these things beforehand.  

For more info about cosmetic dentistry, contact a local company.