6 Things Rochester Residents Should Know About Dental Implants

Are you living in Rochester with loose or missing teeth? If so, you may be looking for a solution that can help. Luckily, dental implants can be a viable solution after approval for this type of oral surgery. If you're considering dental implants to replace one or all of your missing teeth, here are some things you should know.

1. Implants Have a High Success Rate

Some people worry about how successful dental implants may be for them. Luckily, dental implants have a high success rate of 98%, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information. Once implants have successfully adhered to your jaw bone, you can rest assured that the most intense part of the process is behind you.

2. It's a Long Process

Once you make the commitment to go through with dental implants, don't expect the process to end within the next few weeks. Dental implants take a long time to complete, as the main part of the process involves titanium implants adhering to your jaw bone. Once that part is complete, the dentist will place custom-made crowns on them to act as your natural teeth. According to Purple Vine Dental, the entire healing process can take as long as six months. During that time, you'll make office visits to your dental specialist so they can check that the process is going as planned.

3. They Look and Feel Natural

It's natural to worry about how tooth replacements may look and feel. When you receive your implants, you'll notice how they look and feel like natural teeth. So, you should feel very comfortable smiling and talking with ease. You don't have to worry about implants slipping out of your mouth when you eat and talk. Once the healing process is complete, enjoy brushing them and eating normal meals again.

4. Implants Can Help With Digestion

According to Healthline, digestion begins in the mouth. That's because the minute you begin eating, your saliva begins to break food down in your mouth. The way you chew your food can affect how well you digest it. If you had several missing teeth or wore dentures, it may have been hard to properly eat your food and chew it as you should. Once you get implants, that's no longer a problem. Feel free to chew your food slowly and completely until you feel comfortable swallowing.

5. You Don't Remove Them

Don't worry about removing your implants to eat, sleep, or clean them. They're a permanent tooth replacement solution that sets in your jaw. Once you complete the surgery and healing process, those implants are in your mouth for life. Take care of them as you would natural teeth, and keep up with regular dental appointments at least twice a year.

6. All Dentists Can't Do This Procedure

It's important to understand what type of dentist can handle this procedure. For example, all orthodontists are dentists, but only about 6% of dentists are orthodontists. The same can be said for specialists that handle dental implants. All oral surgeons are experienced dental professionals, but all dentists aren't oral surgeons. An oral surgeon will most likely be the person you go to for implants in Rochester. However, your general dentist may also have the training to help you at their practice.

Getting dental implants in Rochester is a feasible solution for missing teeth. Once you're approved for implants and have a successful surgery, it can change your life. Your confidence will improve, and you'll be able to eat better and smile with ease. Since implants have grown in popularity, you shouldn't have a problem finding a dental specialist or oral surgeon who can help you in Rochester.