If you lose a tooth, you need to replace it so you can speak and chew normally and keep your other teeth from shifting. Dental implants are a great option for replacing teeth, because they are sturdy, durable, and function just like natural teeth. However, you need to take care of your implant to ensure it lasts.
At Skyview Dentistry in Charlotte, North Carolina, we offer a full range of high quality dental services, including implants. In this blog, Seti Byrd, DMD, and Jennifer D’Silva, DDS, explain what dental implants are and how you can keep them looking good and working well.
What is a dental implant?
If you lose a tooth due to decay, gum disease, or injury, it’s important to replace that tooth. Doing so will allow you to speak and chew like normal. Furthermore, it will preserve your smile and keep your other teeth from shifting.
There are three main options for replacing a tooth: dentures, bridges, and implants. Implants are often the best choice, because they’re permanently affixed to your jawbone, and they function just like natural teeth.
The placement of an implant involves several stages that occur over a period of 6-9 months. First, your provider places a titanium post into your jawbone where the tooth was. Then the post is given a period of time to fuse with your jawbone. Once your jaw has healed, an attachment called an abutment is placed on the top of the post. Then, a crown — which is the only thing anyone will see — is attached to the abutment.
How to care for a dental implant
With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. Here are a few things you need to do to ensure your dental implant lasts as long as possible:
- Brush twice a day, but use a soft bristled toothbrush to avoid scratching your implant
- Floss every day, but use special care around your implant
- Don’t use abrasive toothpastes
- Avoid eating especially hard foods that could damage your implant
- Avoid eating sticky foods
- Get regular dental checkups for all of your teeth, including your implants
In general, you can treat your implants as you do your natural teeth. In short, keep them clean and check in with your dentist if you have any problems or concerns.
Are you missing a tooth and want to see if an implant can help you? To learn more, book an appointment online or over the phone with Skyview Dentistry today.