At Greater Charlotte Oral and Facial Surgery, we want to do everything we can to give our patients a great smile. That is why, when you need artificial teeth, we want you to consider the advantages of dental implants. These are metal frames or posts that are carefully positioned under your gums so that replacement teeth can be mounted on them.
How Do Dental Implants Support Your Teeth?
Dental implants are used to give your new artificial teeth stability so that they do not slip or shift in your mouth. Because the implants are securely fused to your jawbone, your new teeth are given support in a way that feels much more natural than traditional dentures or bridges.
While implants are usually more expensive than other forms of tooth replacement, their anchoring effect allows for the closest thing to a natural tooth. They restore your ability to chew food and many of our patients who have chosen this option have been pleased with it.
Why Not Use Bridges Or Dentures Alone?
| • | Ordinary dentures and bridges can be very uncomfortable with patients who have sore spots or a gag reflex. |
| • | Nearby teeth may need to be ground down to hold your new artificial tooth in place. |
| • | Additional bridges are attached to teeth adjacent to the space left by your missing tooth. |
| • | Bridges usually fail after 5 -10 years as patients have difficulty flossing them. |
Types Of Dental Implants
There are two types of dental implants that we consider safe at Greater Charlotte Oral and Facial Surgery. Subperiosteal implants use a metal frame that is fixed upon your jawbone beneath the gum tissue. As your gums recover from the procedure, the frame fits in and artificial teeth are mounted to posts that safely protrude from it. Endosteal implants surgically implant directly into the jawbone itself. A second surgery connects a post to the implant, after which the artificial tooth or teeth can be attached to it.
Maintaining Your Dental Implants
While good oral health is important in general, it is especially so when it comes to maintaining your dental implants. Interdental brushes can be effective tools for helping you to clean difficult to reach areas around the implant.
Sticking to routine twice-yearly dental cleanings can help us make sure that your implant stays in great condition. Lastly, we recommend that you avoid chewing on hard foods such as ice and some types of candy. These can break the crown of your implant and potentially injure your natural teeth.
Am I A Good Candidate For Dental Implants?
We are excited to help you replace a missing tooth or teeth with dental implants, but we also want to ensure that you are a good candidate for this operation. It is important to have healthy gums and enough bone in your jaw to anchor the implants.
We also encourage our patients to look at dental implants as an important commitment to brush and floss daily around them. If you are a smoker, we suggest you stop the habit before taking on dental implants. Because smoking can slow your mouth's ability to heal, it will hinder the chances of a successful operation.
Schedule An Appointment for Dental Implants in Charlotte NC
Contact Greater Charlotte Oral and Facial Surgery at (980) 332-7990 or one of our locations today to schedule your consultation to learn more about dental implants.
