What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a replacement tooth that is secured to your jaw with a synthetic "root", typically made of titanium or another strong metal alloy. This is the implant itself, which will secure a crown or replacement tooth in place.

Dental Implants vs. Crowns

Crowns or bridges are other common forms of tooth replacements. However, they are secured differently from dental implants.

First, crowns are secured to an existing tooth that is broken or is missing enamel from a procedure such as a root canal. Technically, the tooth part of a dental implant or bridge is called a crown. These are shaped to fit around your existing teeth and look as natural as possible.

Also, bridges are a type of full-sized crown that is secured to its surroundings without any implantation. Bridges can be secured to surrounding teeth, existing roots, or gums. 

However, bridges and other crowns typically only last for 5 to 7 years at most. Without question, dental implants are the strongest and most secure of all teeth replacement options. Let's talk about some of the benefits.

Benefits of Dental Implants

First, the dental implant will not harm your surrounding teeth or anything else in your mouth. It's a time-tested, safe procedure that is genuinely the best option for your replacement teeth. Here are some other reasons why!

Longevity

Dental implants last far longer than other crowns on average, typically for at least 20 years. With proper care, dental implants can last for a lifetime, regardless of your current age.

Durability

Dental implants are often as strong as regular teeth, and you can choose the material you want for the crown. This way, you won't have to worry about breaking a sensitive crown while eating hard foods. Some materials are stronger than others, but we'll discuss that further later on.

Bone Support

Because the implant is drilled into your jaw bone, implants can support proper bone health and prevent bone loss. When your root is extracted before any crown procedure, this can cause bone loss in that area of your jaw, as the bone has nothing to grow around. Dental implants are an excellent way to prevent this!

Conformity

With the right dental work, nobody would ever notice that you have a dental implant. With advancements in technology, dentists can take impressions of your teeth and fit your implant perfectly to match in size and shape. They can even color match to ensure that one doesn't stand out from the others.

This way, you won't have to worry about replacing teeth, no matter how visible they are when you smile!

What Is the Procedure Like?

The dental implant procedure can intimidate some people, much like other dental procedures. We understand that the idea of drilling into your mouth is scary for some.

However, we assure you that with the right dental care, you will have nothing to worry about. It is a safe and common procedure that every dentist knows how to perform. You will also receive local anesthesia, so you won't feel a thing during the entire procedure.

First, you will meet with your dentist to do impressions, determine the color and material of your crown, and talk to your dentist about the next steps. Your dentist can answer any of your questions during this time.

On the day of the procedure, you will receive your anesthesia and wait until it begins working. Once ready, your dentist will perform the procedure, and all you'll have to do is sit still for an hour or so. It's as easy as that!

Choosing a Crown

Your dentist will go over the crown materials with you, but it's best to know a little about them ahead of time. Porcelain and ceramic tend to have the most natural feel, but they aren't the most durable. Metal is the strongest, but it isn't always best for front teeth.

Also, there are metal-infused porcelain and ceramic options as well, offering the best of both worlds. Understanding the types of crowns will help you make an informed decision when the time comes!

How Long Does It Take to Recover?

For most people, recovery is as simple as 1 to 2 days with mild discomfort. If you need more than one implant or if there are any complications, the longest it should take is 1 to 2 months, and you may receive pain medication if necessary.

Again, for most people, this isn't the case. However, if you experience pain or prolonged discomfort, you can contact your dentist to find a solution!

Find a Dentist in Fort Mill, SC

Now that you know why dental implants are the best option for replacement teeth, contact your trusted dentist in Fort Mill, SC, for the best results. Breaking or extracting teeth doesn't have to be a bummer. With one simple procedure, you'll have your smile back in no time!

Stay up to date with our latest dental care tips, and check out our dental implant services today!