Are you ready to fill the gaps in your smile? Implants offer an excellent solution for tooth loss that may even last your entire life! Here at Dougherty Dental Solutions in Wilmington, DE, your dentists, Drs. Paige King and Lauren Dougherty, can help you decide if dental implants are the right choice for you—read on to learn more.
What are dental implants?
Implants are small titanium posts that are used to replace missing tooth roots. Titanium has the unique ability to bond to bone, thus making it the perfect material for this jawbone-connecting restoration.
Can I chew normally with dental implants?
Due to how the restoration is securely rooted in your jawbone, dental implants offer exceptional biting power. After installation, your tooth won't slip or slide when you bite, and you'll easily be able to chew hard or tough foods. Implants are very comfortable and feel very much like your natural teeth.
Are dental implants the right choice for everyone?
Most people who've lost teeth can benefit from dental implants. However, to receive treatment, you must be in good oral/general health, and your jawbone must be deep enough to support implants. If the bone is too shallow or weak, your Wilmington dentist may recommend building it up with bone grafts before you receive implants.
Implants may not be a good choice if you smoke, have an immune system condition, or take medications that affect the immune system (e.g. chemotherapy medication).
Grinding or clenching your teeth can also loosen the implants. Fortunately, you can avoid this problem by wearing a nightguard while you sleep.
Is it hard to take care of dental implants?
If good oral hygiene is a priority for you, you'll have no trouble caring for dental implants—maintenance of these restorations simply requires that you brush your teeth twice daily and floss once every day. However, it is particularly important that you make sure to floss around the base of the implant to prevent an infection.
Will my friends be able to tell that I have a dental implant?
Your implant will be covered by gum tissue and won't be visible when you open your mouth. Furthermore, the crown connected to the implant is made from an impression of your mouth to ensure that it looks completely natural.
Interested? Give us a call
For more information, call your Wilmington, DE, dentists, Drs. Paige King and Lauren Dougherty, at (302) 475-3270 to schedule an appointment.