Having gaps in your grin can impact your self-confidence in several different ways. Your teeth play a crucial role in your ability to eat, speak, and smile normally so when they go missing, simple tasks suddenly become more difficult.
Fortunately, your dentist can refurbish your mouth with dental implants, which many providers consider to be the ideal restoration. They’re the only artificial teeth that are surgically placed in your jawbone to provide several unique advantages. Many patients who are considering these replacements, however, want to know what results to expect. What do dental implants look and feel like? If you’re curious, continue reading to find out!
What Do Dental Implants Look Like?
If you’re worried that your dental implants will look fake or awkward next to your remaining teeth, you can set your concerns aside. These prosthetics are known for looking and functioning more like your natural teeth than alternatives like dentures or dental bridges.
They consist of a titanium pole that’s placed in your jawbone that’s connected with an abutment to your final restoration (usually a dental crown). The rod functions like a root and fuses with your jawbone to keep it active and healthy. Meanwhile, the crown is the portion that sits above your jawline, so it’s customized to match the shape, size, and shade of your natural pearly whites. It’s made from durable porcelain that reflects light like enamel so that it blends in seamlessly.
Does It Hurt to Get Dental Implants?
It’s normal to wonder what sensations to expect when you have metal inserted into your jawbone. You’ll be numbed and/or sedated for the procedure itself, so you won’t perceive any discomfort. Afterward, it’s normal to have some swelling and inflammation, but these symptoms should gradually fade and be gone within 1 to 2 weeks.
Then, over a period of 3 to 6 months, your jawbone will fuse with the titanium through a process called osseointegration. Typically, you don’t feel anything during this process because the implant is not alive like the roots of your teeth.
What Do Dental Implants Feel Like?
Of all the methods that can restore your smile, dental implants both look and feel the most like the pearly whites you were born with. Other options like dentures and dental bridges rely on your gums or neighboring teeth to remain in place. As a result, they’re often less stable and are more likely to slip out of place or become dislodged at inopportune moments, like in the middle of a meal or conversation.
With dental implants, you don’t have to worry about anything falling out of your mouth and embarrassing you. They’re permanently anchored in place and have an incredibly high success rate of more than 95%, so you know they’re reliable. Plus, because they’re planted beneath your jawline and are sturdier, they come with fewer dietary restrictions. While it’s a good idea to avoid anything overly hard, sticky, or sugary that could harm them, pretty much everything else is still on the menu.
If you’re looking for the most lifelike way to rebuild your grin, dental implants are a wise decision!
About the Author
Dr. Robert A. Camenzuli enjoys helping patients enhance their lives by improving their dental condition. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of New Orleans and then achieved his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the Louisiana State University School of Dentistry. Now, he’s a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, making him an expert at refurbishing smiles. Plus, he has the training and state-of-the-art equipment to be able to perform your surgery in the office so you don’t have to find an outside provider. If you’re suffering from tooth loss and would like a consultation, you can request one on the website or by calling (504) 584-4225.