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If you’re living without a full set of teeth, when is the best time to have them replaced? And what method is best suited to meet your functional and aesthetic needs? The answer to your smile woes is the placement of dental implants, and summer is the best time to have the procedure done. Continue reading to find out why!
How Do Dental Implants Work?
Like the natural roots of your teeth, dental implants attach at the jawbone level. The cylinder-shaped titanium posts are surgically inserted. Then, the biocompatible material will fuse with the bone bed to form a lasting and sound foundation.
Dental implants are unique in that they can be used to replace any number of teeth, which makes them all the more valuable. Here are some of the general steps of the procedure that will allow you to eat your favorite summer foods:
- Initial implant placement – Once the implants are in place, you’ll need a few months to heal and for the posts to fuse with the existing bone (referred to as osseointegration).
- Addition of the abutments – Titanium abutments that serve as anchors are attached to the implants.
- Placement of the final restoration – A custom restoration (crown, implant-retained bridge or denture) is securely affixed to the abutments to leave a fully restored and functional smile.
How Dental Implants Expand Your Food Choices
Because dental implants are held in place by fusing with the jawbone, they don’t rely on being bonded to the surrounding teeth, dental adhesive or suction. That translates into a level of functionality that is unmatched by any other form of tooth replacement. The implant procedure, which has a 95% success rate, can typically restore up to 75% of the original chewing capacity.
With teeth that are fully secure, you can look forward to enjoying a wide array of foods at the upcoming summer events. When the grill or smoker is fired up, you too can savor all the mouth-watering flavors without having to worry about any embarrassing mishaps.
Still More Advantages
By practicing consistent and proper dental hygiene, which should include brushing and flossing at least two times a day and visiting your local dentist every six months for cleanings and checkups, your dental implants can last up to a lifetime.
In addition to being able to eat all the foods you love, this will be the summer where you’re able to pose for photos with confidence to show your attractive and highly functional new smile!
About the Author
Dr. Mamata Ponnaganti earned her dental degree from Boston University’s Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine. Throughout her career, she has received advanced training in a number of dental services, which includes dental implant placement and restoration. To stay abreast of the constant changes in the world of dentistry, Dr. Ponnaganti takes several hours of continuing education annually. She places dental implants and provides competent and compassionate care at Happy Smiles, and she can be reached for more information or to schedule a visit through her website.