Dental Implants in Cave Springs, VA: Process, Recovery, and Benefits

Did you know that the average adult between the ages of 20 and 64 has three or more decayed or missing teeth? This common dental issue is often ignored, which can lead to additional complications.

One of the best ways to combat missing teeth is to opt for dental implants. Out of all of the services we offer, dental implants are one of the most popular. This is everything you should know about the benefits of dental implants, as well as what to expect from the process.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are one of the most common services that we offer here at Roanoke Dental. But what are dental implants exactly? Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are surgically placed into the jawbone to serve as a stable foundation for replacement teeth.

Dental implants are designed to mimic natural tooth roots and are typically made of titanium. Once the dental implant process is complete, you should have replacement teeth that will look and feel just like your natural teeth.

If you fail to replace missing teeth, it can become difficult to chew food or speak clearly. Tooth loss can also cause the area around your mouth to sag or make other teeth tilt or move out of place, according to The Journal of the American Dental Association.

Dental Implant Benefits

Are you on the fence about getting dental implants? These are all of the major benefits of undergoing a dental implant procedure.

Permanent Tooth Replacement

Dental implants are a permanent solution for missing teeth. Other options, such as dentures, are removable and can be easily damaged or lost. Because dental implants are surgically placed into the jawbone, they will be with you forever.

Natural Appearance

After the dental implant process is complete, you won't even be able to tell the difference between them and your natural teeth. Implants are customized to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth, providing a seamless and beautiful look.

Improves Biting and Chewing

Dental implants function just like natural teeth, and you should be able to bite and chew as normal. You also will not need to worry about limiting food choices as you would with dentures. You can enjoy your favorite foods without worrying about stability or breakage.

Improves Comfort

When you get dental implants, you can ensure that they will be snug and secure in your mouth. Because of this, you will not need to worry about the discomfort, slippage, or irritation that often comes with removable dentures.

Durable

As long as you properly care for your dental implants, they can last you a lifetime. Your dental implants are designed to withstand the wear and tear of everyday activities, allowing you to live your life as usual.

Low-Maintenance

Dental implants are taken care of just like your natural teeth. You can continue brushing and flossing as usual with no need for specialized cleaning solutions.

Improved Confidence

If you love your smile, you will naturally be a bit more confident in your everyday life. Dental implants will provide you with a natural-looking, beautiful smile that you will be happy to show off.

The Dental Implant Process

Once you have decided that dental implants are right for you, you need to make sure you are prepared for the procedure. This is what you can expect before and after you arrive at the dentist's office.

Before the Procedure

Before the procedure, you will need to visit the dentist for an initial consultation. Your dentist will thoroughly examine your teeth, discuss your medical history, and take X-rays. Through this examination, your dentist will determine whether or not you are a good candidate for dental implants.

Based on this assessment, your dentist will develop a treatment plan that is personalized to your dental needs. This plan will state how many implants you need, the type of implant you need, and the restoration options that will be used.

During the Procedure

The dental implant procedure takes several weeks to complete. First, your dentist will extract any teeth, if necessary. If you have damaged or decayed teeth at the implant site, then they need to be removed before the implant procedure begins. Sometimes, your dentist will be able to perform the implant placement directly after this extraction.

Next, you will need to make sure that you have sufficient jawbone density. This is essential for making sure there is a stable foundation for the implant. If your jawbone is not dense enough, then you may need a bone graft.

Finally, the implant replacement will begin. Your oral surgeon will make an incision in the gum to expose your jawbone and drill a hole for the implant to be placed into. Your gum will then be sutured closed.

Over the next few months, your jawbone will fuse with the surface of the implant, providing a stable foundation. After this process is complete, you will undergo a second surgery to attach an abutment to the implant. The abutment will support the replacement tooth.

The final step is to attach the replacement tooth or crown to the abutment, completing the dental implant process.

What to Expect From Dental Implant Recovery

Luckily, the dental implant recovery process is very simple. After the implant is placed, you may experience minor bruising and swelling, but this should go away after several days. For a few days after your procedure, you may want to stick to eating soft foods.

Once you are fully healed, you can care for your dental implants the same way you would care for your natural teeth. Make sure you are brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing, and seeing your dentist for regular checkups. 

Are Dental Implants Right For You?

Dental implants are a great solution for nearly anyone with one or more missing teeth. Roanoke Dental specializes in dental implants as well as a wide variety of other services. Our general dentist, Dr. David Jones, is a graduate of the Medical College of Virginia and has been practicing general dentistry for more than 20 years. 

If you want to learn more about dental implants, then contact the team at Roanoke Dental Care today.