You’ve toiled all year on your job, and finally, you’re going to reap some added benefits by receiving your tax returns, but you’re not sure how you should use them. Since you’ve been living without a full set of teeth, could this be a good time to invest in dental implants in Columbia? Read on to learn how they can restore your smile and why they are considered the “gold standard” for teeth replacement.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are posts that are surgically inserted beneath the gums and act as replacements for your missing teeth roots. Usually made from high-grade titanium, the posts are attached to the jawbone. Over the course of four-to-six months, they will fuse with the same through a process called osseointegration, to form a sturdy and lasting foundation.
How Dental Implant Placement Works
After administering anesthesia, the dentist makes an initial incision to gain access to the underlying bone. These are the next steps taken:
- Implant Insertion – The implant is inserted into the jawbone, and then, there will be time allotted for healing.
- Abutment Placement – Once you’ve healed well enough, another titanium piece – the abutment – will be added, which connects the implant and a final restoration.
- Bite Impressions Captured – Before you leave the office, bite impressions will be captured and used to fabricate a final restoration.
- Restoration Placement – Following a second round of healing, the final restoration is placed, which can either be a porcelain crown, bridge or full set of dentures.
By the time the last step is completed, you’ll be left looking and feeling like a brand-new person.
What Separates Dental Implants from Other Procedures?
The insertion of dental implants beneath the gum line separates them from any other form of replacement. Whereas traditional dentures and bridges rest atop the gums and can shift and possibly dislodge over time, the dental implant is the only form of replacement that provides a level of stability that rivals that of your original teeth.
An additional perk is you’ll enjoy a more natural look with dental implants since they are so soundly attached. In most cases, the people you encounter won’t be able to tell you have prosthetic teeth, which translates into greater confidence.
A final benefit of dental implants is that, properly cared for, they can last up to a lifetime. That amounts to money well-spent. So to get on the road to smile perfection, contact your dentist in Columbia to schedule a visit today!
About the Author
Practicing dentistry for the past 40 years, Dr. Victor Beck, Jr. is a graduate of the University of Tennessee, where he earned his DDS degree. A member of the Academy of General Dentistry, he is considered an authority in the dental field, often requested to lecture and conduct seminars on breakthroughs in dentistry. Dr. Beck places dental implants at Beck Dental Care, and he can be reached for more information through his website.