What are dental implants?
Dental implants are small titanium posts that integrate with your jaw. They provide a firm, supportive foundation for dental restorations like crowns, bridges, or implant-supported dentures.
Because dental implants fuse to your jaw, they’re longer-lasting than traditional prosthetics. In fact, with good oral hygiene and routine checkups, dental implants can last a lifetime.
Who is a good candidate for dental implants?
To be a good candidate for dental implants, you need healthy gums and enough jawbone volume to support each post.
Before developing a custom treatment plan, the team at Desert Dentist conducts an oral exam, reviews your dental health history, and takes a series of X-rays. If you have gum disease or low bone volume, the team might recommend scaling and root planing or a bone graft before moving forward.
Let the team know if you have a chronic condition like high blood pressure or heart disease. These issues won’t necessarily keep you from getting implants, but they may increase the risk of surgical complications.
What does getting implants involve?
If the team determines that you’re a good candidate for dental implants, they administer a local anesthetic to numb your mouth.
Once the anesthesia sets in, the team places a number of titanium posts into your jaw. The number of implants you need depends on the number of teeth missing and the type of restoration.
For example, a bridge might only require one implant, while implant-supported dentures might require between 4-6.
Several months later, after your mouth heals, you return to Desert Dentist. The team takes impressions of your mouth and sends them to a laboratory that manufactures your crowns, bridge, or implant-supported dentures.
About a week later, you visit Desert Dentist for your final appointment. The team attaches your restorations to your implants, transforming your smile and oral health.
Do dental implants require routine maintenance?
Dental implants require regular maintenance. To keep your implants in optimal condition, the team at Desert Dentist recommends brushing twice daily, flossing regularly, and visiting the nearest office every six months for an oral exam and professional cleaning.
To prevent chips, cracks, or damage to your restorations, avoid bad habits like nail-biting, chewing on ice cubes, or opening objects with your teeth.
If you’re missing permanent teeth, request a consultation for dental implants at Desert Dentist. Book an appointment with the online scheduling tool or call the nearest office today.
