Losing a tooth is more than just a cosmetic issue; it affects your ability to enjoy your favorite foods, affects the functionality of your bite, and can even impact your self-confidence.
While there are various tooth replacement options, dental implants stand out as a superior choice. At Foley & Le Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, we believe in providing solutions that enhance your smile and improve your quality of life.
In this last blog of the series, we will explain why dental implants are the best solution to replace missing teeth and why they are the best investment for your oral health.
Table of Contents
- Are Dental Implants Necessary After Extraction?
- Benefits of Dental Implants
- What is a Dental Implant?
- Dental Implant Surgery
- Invest in Your Smile
- Additional Resources
Are Dental Implants Necessary After Extraction?
Dental implants are recommended after a tooth extraction for several reasons. They serve to maintain the integrity of your jawbone and oral structure. When a tooth is removed, the jaw bone is no longer stimulated and will start to deteriorate. This deterioration will cause adjacent teeth to shift, and the jaw will weaken which will affect the functionality of your bite.
Dental implants are a permanent solution. They restore the full functionality of your mouth, allowing you to chew and speak as you did with your natural tooth. They also provide aesthetic benefits, filling in gaps to maintain a natural-looking smile.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants offer many benefits beyond just replacing a missing tooth. They improve your overall oral health and quality of life. Here’s a closer look at the benefits:
- Restored functionality: Implants mimic the strength and function of natural teeth, allowing you to eat your favorite foods without hesitation.
- Aesthetic appeal: They look and feel like your natural teeth, restoring the beauty of your smile and eliminating any embarrassment caused by missing teeth.
- Prevention of bone loss: Implants promote bone growth and prevent jawbone deterioration common with tooth loss.
- Longevity: With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime, making them a cost-effective solution in the long run.
Now that you know why dental implants are beneficial, let’s do a quick overview of what dental implants are and what the procedure looks like.
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a titanium post that is surgically inserted into the jawbone. Once implanted, it fuses with the bone and acts as an artificial tooth root. The implant is then topped with a custom-made dental crown that looks and feels like your natural tooth.
Dental Implant Surgery
Here is a brief overview of the dental implant surgery. We will provide a link to the full procedure details below.
- Consultation and planning: We start with a thorough examination and discussion of your dental history and goals. We may take X-rays or a CT scan to get information about your jawbone structure and to plan the implant surgery.
- Implant placement: The implant placement involves a surgical procedure where you will be under sedation. The implant is placed into the jawbone. The incision is closed with sutures, and the healing and integration process begins!
- Healing and osseointegration: It will take approximately two weeks to heal from the procedure itself. Osseointegration, the fusion of the implant with the jaw bone, typically takes 3 to 6 months.
- Abutment and crown placement: Once the implant integrates with the jawbone, an abutment is attached, followed by the custom-made crown.
For a full explanation of the implant procedure, read Dental Implant Procedure Step-by-Step: A Comprehensive Guide.
Invest in Your Smile
Throughout this blog series, we’ve covered dental care after tooth extraction in detail. From healing and aftercare to foods to eat to support your recovery and how to manage pain and discomfort effectively. A dental implant is the final step, offering a long-term solution to restore not just the look but the full functionality of your smile.
We understand that getting a dental implant is a significant investment, both in terms of time and money. But it’s an investment that can transform your life. If you’re ready to take the first step towards a complete and functional smile, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Contact us to schedule a consultation and learn how dental implants can transform your smile. Don’t let missing teeth hold you back any longer. It’s time to invest in a smile that lasts a lifetime.
If you are searching for dental implants in Boulder, call (303) 444-2255 to book an appointment or complete the online booking form.
We can’t wait to meet you!
Additional Resources
What to Look For in a Dental Implant Specialist
Who Is Eligible for Dental Implants?
