Everything You Need to Know About Dental Implants

Permanent teeth should be with us during our entire lives, hence the name. We should keep them healthy and in good condition; however, many people have oral diseases and other situations that cause the loss of a tooth.

Commonly, people who are missing one or many dental pieces are self-conscious about their smiles and feel embarrassed to talk to others freely. In worse cases, it can have an impact on their self-esteem and even lead to depression. Luckily, dental implants in Waterloo are a solution to restore your smile. Not only do they look natural, but they allow you to eat and speak properly again.

Why You Should Need Dental Implants

The following situations may lead you to look for dental implants near you:

• Fractured teeth – The enamel is strong and resilient; however, excessive forces may lead to a tooth crack. If your tooth breaks, and the fracture is beneath the gum line, the treatment is to extract it.
• Decay – If a small cavity is left untreated, it can progress to severe tooth decay. Over time, tooth damage can be irreparable, and a dental extraction might be needed.
• Periodontal disease – Studies have shown that almost half of Americans older than 30 have periodontitis. Periodontitis is a disease that affects the gums and the bone that supports teeth. In severe stages, teeth can be shifting so much that your dentist might not be able to save them.
• Agenesia – Some patients are born without one or many teeth, and they need to replace them. Dental implants are an excellent solution in these cases.

The Power of Implants

Dental implants are devices that look like a screw. They are made of titanium and replace the root of the missing tooth. These devices are the first ones to integrate into your jawbone and remain there permanently. 

Let’s review some of the benefits of dental implants and why you should visit our dentist in Waterloo for a consultation visit:

• Natural look – After a dentist near you places your implant, he or she will plan to install a dental crown on top of it, which will be tooth-colored, and you will look as natural as if you never lost a tooth.
• Avoid bone loss – When you lose a tooth, the jawbone loses its function, so it starts to resorb. After you replace the missing dental piece, the bone recovers its stimulus, and keeps its density.
• Permanent solution – Many restorative devices are removable, like complete and partial dentures; however, dental implants are fused with your jawbone due to a process named osseointegration, and stay there for good.
• Eat and speak easily – Dentures come with a very annoying learning curve. You need to practice a lot until you feel comfortable with them. On the contrary, implants feel like your natural teeth; hence, you will chew, bite, and talk without any issues.
• Easy to care – Your dental implants don't need special care. They can last for many decades and even a lifetime with simple oral care habits, such as brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing your teeth daily, avoiding sugary snacks, and keeping up with your dental checkups.

Contraindications of Implants

Children cannot undergo dental implant surgery because their jawbone is not dense enough to withstand them.

If you are an older patient, but you don’t have a thick jawbone, your dental professional might advise you to opt for bone crafting. He or she might also choose smaller dental implants, which are called mini implants.

Discuss any medical conditions with your dentist to make sure that you qualify to get them.