One of the most often questions asked when it comes to dental implants is “How do dental implants feel?” This question is important as many other forms of tooth replacement, such as traditional dentures, do not feel like natural teeth and so therefore can have an impact on your quality of life. In this article, we will explore just how implants feel and what to expect should you get one.
Dental Implants vs Dentures
Dental implants are designed so that they mimic your natural tooth as closely as possibly. This means that the implant is actually fused to your jawbone and has a crown made from a super hard material like zirconium that gives it the strength it needs to chew your food.
Once healed, you are unlikely to even notice that the dental implant is even there! So this means that dental implants have no sensitivity. Drinking hot or cold liquids, like tea or coffee, or a delicious spoonful of ice cream will not cause any hot or cold sensations at the site of the implant. You are also unlikely to notice the absence of sensitivity either. The dental implant will fit seamlessly into the natural sensations that are present in your mouth.
Removable dentures require an adhesive to anchor them to your jaw and they are prone to slippage and clacking. They can be difficult to chew with and they will often have an impact not just on your ability to eat, but speak and so therefore impacting your overall health.
Other benefits of a dental implant include the fact that they look like your natural teeth. The crown that is placed on top of the actual implant is matched to the color of your natural teeth and has properties of light reflection similar to your natural teeth. They also promote bone growth, as the implant fuses to the jawbone, and so you can preserve the natural shape of your face. A missing tooth root will actually cause the bone to disintegrate over time.
The Process of Getting a Dental Implant
The process of getting an implant usually begins with a consultation with your dentist. They will see if a dental implant is a good option for you based on many factors from your lifestyle to your overall health to the strength of your jawbone.
If you jawbone is too weak and not able to safely take the implant, then it is possible that a bone graft will be necessary. This process generally grafts bone from another part of the body – most usually the hip – and places it in the jaw to strengthen it. The healing time from this can be many months.
Once the jaw has sufficiently healed, the implant is actually placed. The implant is a screw-like post made from titanium. Once set in the jaw, you then spend a number of months allowing the site to heal before the abutment and the crown are placed. Congratulations! You now have a dental implant!
Health Impact
The impact of getting a dental implant can be huge for some people. Because it is so very like a natural tooth, you are able to resume many of the basic activities in life that may have been difficult or impossible for you before the implant.
You will be able to chew regularly, and speak with confidence. You’ll even get your natural smile back. There will be an extensive healing time that is required, but the implant can last you decades of use, or possibly even a lifetime.
Even if you are missing more than one tooth, you should consider getting a dental implant as you can have a bridge installed that replaces multiple teeth. There are many options when it comes to dental implants, so if you live near Upland, CA, give Upland Dental Group & Implant Center a call at (909) 985-1966 today to schedule an appointment.
