Dental implants are artificial teeth that replace missing teeth or support dentures or bridges. They’re designed to feel and look natural and restore your smile but have other long-term benefits. However, just like natural teeth, implants need proper care and maintenance.
Dental implants have many long-term benefits, including replacing lost teeth, restoring your smile, preventing bone loss, and improving oral health.
Losing a tooth affects your appearance and ability to chew and speak clearly. Over time, these changes can lead to bone loss, discomfort, and changes to your facial structure.
Dental implants replace teeth and the tooth root, providing a metal post in your jawbone to support artificial teeth or tooth systems like a bridge or denture. Replacing your teeth with implants stabilizes your jaw and the surrounding teeth and gums.
You may lose teeth for many reasons, from chips and cracks and tooth grinding to accidents, gum disease, or severe tooth disease. Missing teeth create gaps in your smile, leading to bone shrinkage over time, causing a sunken look and affecting your appearance.
Whether part of a denture or bridge, each dental implant is finished with a crown that looks and feels natural and matches your skin and tooth profile. Getting implants can completely transform your smile and boost your confidence.
Missing teeth can also cause gum tissue to shrink, which creates a pocket where bacteria, food, and other debris collect. Infections and gum disease can develop over time.
Dental implants fill these spaces and keep tissue healthy, preventing stuck food, infections, and decay. In addition, removing decayed teeth and replacing them with dental implants removes disease from your mouth, improving oral health.
Dental implants stimulate your jawbone and bone growth, preventing bone loss and change of jaw and facial structure. Implants also redistribute force and reduce the load on your surrounding teeth. This helps preserve natural tooth tissue and bone and reduces breakdown that changes jaw height and structure.
Dental implants are made with sturdy materials, such as metal and porcelain. These materials can withstand the force and wear and tear of normal functions and last a lifetime with good oral hygiene and dental care.
Dental implants are an investment in your health. Prioritizing oral hygiene with daily care and regular dental visits can help protect your investment and keep your new smile in excellent condition. The better you clean around your implant and the surrounding teeth, the more long-term success you will have.
Keep your implants clean as you would your other teeth. Brush and floss your teeth twice daily and use fluoride toothpaste to help manage bacteria. Consider using an interdental toothbrush between your teeth and around the implant posts.
Schedule check-ups and cleaning appointments at least once a year to confirm your implants are working properly and in good shape. Regular cleanings keep your gums and teeth healthy, protecting your oral health and smile. Your dentist may also provide patient education and tips to help you maintain good hygiene.
Avoid chewing hard candy, ice, or other items that can chip, crack, or break your implants and natural teeth. Stop using tobacco products or consuming dark foods and drinks that may stain your teeth, and ask your dentist about treatment if you grind your teeth.
Dental implants are an effective treatment for smile restoration and have excellent long-term outcomes. Dr. Decker, an experienced dentist in Enumclaw, provides cosmetic and restorative services using modern technologies and comfortable, tailored solutions. Schedule an appointment and discover whether dental implants are an option for you.
Call 360.825.3191 or click the link below to schedule an appointment online.
