Are you feeling self-conscious about your smile because of missing teeth? Do you fear that your only way to a healthy confident smile is a set of dentures? Dental implants may be the right option for you to restore your smile. Many patients have already chosen this simple, relatively painless path to the smile they want and you could be next.
Why Choose Dental Implants?
A dental implant offers people with missing teeth a permanent solution to the gaps in their smiles. A dental implant is a small titanium post embedded in the jaw that attaches onto a dental crown. The crown is inserted in the gap left by a lost tooth to restore the appearance, health, and full use of your teeth. Dental implants are often preferred by both patients and dentists because they look, feel, and function exactly like your natural teeth. And just like your teeth, you don’t ever remove them for cleaning or other routine maintenance. Although most insurances do not cover them and the cost is more than other options, dental implants have the highest rating in patient satisfaction and are usually considered well worth the extra cost.
What’s the Installation Process Like?
The placement process for dental implants is a fairly simple procedure that usually only leaves a minimum of post-procedure discomfort and sometimes none at all. As mentioned previously, for most patients, the placement process is very simple, but for some complex cases, the procedure may take some weeks or even months to complete. However, patients that Drs. John and Sara Gotwalt deem appropriate can actually walk out the same day with an implant filling the gap in their smile. Due to advances in dentistry, same day dental implants are becoming the norm.
To find out if a dental implant is right for you, you’ll need a dental evaluation. If your jawbone is sufficiently healthy, you can have the procedure at any time. If not, you will need to strengthen the bone with bone graft surgeries, which will increase the cost of dental implants. Once the dental implant is attached to the jawbone, it will gradually fuse to the bone over the next few month. This fusion will ensure that the implant is stable and secure. After it’s fully healed, you will again have a full smile that looks, acts, and feels just like your natural teeth.
How to Care For and Clean Dental Implants
Dental implants are as easy to care for as your natural teeth. In fact, their maintenance is exactly the same. Simply follow these basic oral health guidelines from the Drs. Gotwalt:
- Brush your teeth twice daily, including the implant.
- Floss between and around your natural teeth and the implant.
- Discuss with the Drs. Gotwalt any tooth grinding or clenching habits
- Schedule and keep regular professional check-ups and cleanings
To get the dental care you deserve from an affordable dentist in Lititz PA, contact Drs. John and Sara Gotwalt at 717.220.4651 or schedule an appointment online today!