By age 50, Americans have lost an average of 12 teeth. Are you missing one or more teeth from your smile? 

Missing teeth can lead to tooth damage, bone loss, and poor self-esteem (among other things). Why not talk to your Georgetown dentist about replacing your teeth with dental implants? 

If you’re on the fence, we understand. This is a big decision, but we’re here to help you make it. Read on to learn all about dental implants so you can make an informed choice. 

What Is Dental Implant Surgery?

Dental implant surgery is an increasingly popular type of dental surgery. The oral surgeon will place implants where patients are missing teeth. It’s like having new and improved dentures that stay in place long-term.

The surgery happens in several stages. 

First, if the patient needs to have teeth removed, the surgeon will do that first. Perhaps the teeth are broken or otherwise unhealthy, or the patient only has one or two left but wants a full implant. Regardless, the teeth need to go before the surgeon can start the implant process. 

After the patient’s gums are healed, the oral surgeon can place the implants. They’re small metal posts that the artificial replacement teeth will screw onto. They’ll have to heal for several months as well, but the exact time will depend on your specific case.

Once the patient’s mouth is healed, the dentist can place the dental implants. They may be individual implants or larger full-set implants that connect to several posts. After that, the patient is ready to leave the dentist office in Georgetown with their new smile! 

Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants? 

You may be wondering if anyone could be a good candidate for dental implants.

Most people who are missing teeth can be candidates for dental implants, but it’s important to consult with your dentist first. Any Georgetown dental implants specialist should be able to tell you whether or not dental implants are right for you, and if they’re not, what your other options are.

People who get dental implants should have reasonably good oral health. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but the patient’s gums should be healthy enough to safely go through surgery and the entire tooth replacement process. If a patient doesn’t have good oral health, the oral surgeon may recommend other types of dental treatment as a prerequisite for implants. 

Patients should be willing to continue seeing the dentist for the duration of treatment and they must understand that the dental implant process will span several months. They should also be willing to not smoke during that time. 

If you think you’d be a good candidate for dental implants in Georgetown, KY, talk to a dentist or oral surgeon! 

Benefits of Dental Implant Surgery

So why would you want to consider getting dental implant surgery? There are plenty of reasons! Here are a few of the top benefits of getting dental implants in Georgetown. 

Dental Implants Protect Your Other Teeth

When you lose teeth, your other teeth are less protected. They’re at a greater risk of cracking and breaking or being knocked loose after trauma. With the security of all of your other teeth surrounding them, they’re safer.

By investing in dental implants, you’re giving your remaining teeth a better chance of staying safe and healthy. 

Dental Implants Protect Your Jaw

Dental implants don’t only protect your teeth. They also protect your jaw and prevent bone loss.

Believe it or not, your teeth are partially responsible for the integrity of your jaw. The pressure from chewing keeps your jaw strong and keeps the bone sturdy. 

If you lose your teeth, your jawbone can start to deteriorate. It will weaken. 

Dental implants can stop that from happening. The pressure of the implant will encourage bone growth and stability and protect your jaw as a whole. 

Bonus: it will also stop your face from sagging. The sagging appearance that some people get when they have no teeth is partially from the lack of teeth themselves, and partially due to their jaw. You can prevent that by getting dental implants. 

Your Smile Will Look and Feel Natural

Many people worry that their fake tooth (or fake teeth, if they have an entire mouth of implants) won’t look natural. This isn’t the case. Dentists work hard to make implants look as natural as possible so you can show off your smile with pride and confidence. 

People will only know you have dental implants if you tell them.

Your teeth will also feel natural. There will be a brief adjustment period at first, but then you’ll adapt. This isn’t true for dentures which can shift and feel uncomfortable long-term for some people. 

You Can Treat Dental Implants Like Normal Teeth

Taking care of dental implants is easy. You can treat them just like natural teeth. Continue brushing and flossing as normal and they’ll stay in good condition long-term.

The only difference is that you can’t whiten them, so while they’re stain-resistant, you want to be careful if you’re eating or drinking staining foods and drinks. 

Dental Implants Are a Long-Term Solution 

Dental implants will last for a long time. The actual lifespan of your dental implants will vary depending on your lifestyle, but you can expect them to last far longer than a set of dentures. If you’re looking for a fantastic long-term smile, dental plants are the obvious answer. 

Visit a Georgetown Dentist for Your Dental Implants

So what do you think? Are dental implants right for you? If so, it’s time to talk to a Georgetown dentist about your options. 

You deserve a healthy smile that you love to show off. 

At Thompson Family Dental, we want to give you the smile of your dreams. Contact us to schedule a dental implant consultation today.