The Courage to Smile Why Dental Implant Surgery Is Worth It!

Hello Friend,

Living with a mouth full of missing teeth or advanced tooth decay is miserable.  You can’t chew the foods you love. You’re embarrassed to smile.  You don’t want to laugh or even open your mouth around strangers for fear they’ll judge you. 

Dental implants permanently replace missing or decayed teeth. They feel natural in your mouth. Look great. And do wonders for your self-esteem.  

So, it’s a sad day in our office when a patient with a desperate need for tooth replacement says no to dental implants. 

There are many reasons someone might decline treatment, and this month, we’ll be discussing these reasons in detail.

Why, you ask?

It’s my hope that those with a need for permanent tooth replacement will understand that dental implants are their best option for regaining their smile, regaining their confidence, and protecting the structural integrity of their jawbone.

One of the main reasons a patient might initially decline treatment is…fear.

They’re scared of the idea of having a surgery. They are afraid of anesthesia. They are concerned about lingering pain. They are worried about possible complications with lingering neuropathy. 

Does this describe you? If so, I completely understand.   These are reasonable concerns with most surgeries but not so much with dental implants.  While any surgical procedure carries some risk, dental implant surgery is routine and well-practiced.

So, let’s take a moment and go over the dental implant treatment and its routine minor surgery step by step.

Step 1: Consultation and Evaluation

Before you’re considered for dental implants, we assess your overall health and your oral health to ensure you’re a good candidate.  Most are. Some are not.  

We start by checking your teeth and gums, taking X-rays, and discussing your medical history. This helps us figure out if dental implants are the right choice for you.

Step 2: Treatment Planning

Once it’s decided that implants are a good option, we create a personalized treatment plan. This plan outlines everything from how many implants you need to what type of anesthesia will be used during surgery.

Step 3: Implant Placement Surgery

Now comes the big day: implant surgery! First of all, don’t worry. With the anesthesia, you won’t feel a thing.  And you won’t be under long.  The entire procedure is usually over in less than a couple of hours.  During your procedure, your dentist will carefully place the implants into your jawbone, just like planting seeds in the soil.

Step 4: Healing and Osseointegration

After surgery, there may be minor discomfort, but nothing an extra strength over-the-counter pain reliever can’t handle.  Next, your jawbone will need time to heal and bond with the implants. This process is called osseointegration, and it usually takes a few months. During this time, you’ll need to eat soft foods and be extra gentle with your mouth to help everything heal properly.

Step 5: Abutment Placement

Once the implants are firmly fused with your jawbone, it’s time for the next step. The dentist will attach small metal pieces called abutments to the implants. These will serve as the foundation for your new teeth.

Step 6: Impressions and Crown Placement

With the abutments in place, it’s time to make your new teeth! The dentist will take impressions of your mouth to create custom-made crowns that fit perfectly over the abutments. Once the crowns are ready, they’ll be attached to the abutments, completing your smile.

Step 7: Follow-Up Care

Congratulations, you’ve got yourself some brand-new teeth! But the journey doesn’t end there. You’ll need to come in regularly for check-ups and cleanings to make sure your implants stay in good shape for years to come.

And that’s it! While the process may take some time and patience, the end result—having a beautiful, fully restored smile—is well worth it. Take good care of your implants, and enjoy all the benefits of your new teeth!

Why Dental Implants are Your Best Choice for Missing Teeth:

1. Strong and Lasting:Dental implants are super strong and can last for decades. Unlike other options that might need replacing every few years, implants can stay in your mouth for your whole life if you take care of them.
2. Keeps Your Bones Healthy:Losing teeth can weaken your jawbone over time. But with implants, it’s like giving your jawbone a workout! They act like real tooth roots, keeping your jawbone strong and healthy, which helps keep your other teeth in place.
3. Works Just Like Real Teeth:Implants let you chew and talk just like you did before. Unlike fake teeth that might move around or feel uncomfortable, implants stay firmly in place, so you can eat all your favorite foods and talk without any worries.
4. Keeps Your Mouth Clean and Healthy:Implants don’t mess with your other teeth like some other options do. They’re easy to clean and take care of, which helps keep your gums and teeth healthy in the long run.
5. Boosts Your Confidence:A full smile can make you feel great about yourself. With implants, you can smile, laugh, and talk without feeling shy or embarrassed about your teeth. Feeling confident in your smile can make all parts of life better. Smile, and the world smiles back at you!

So, if you’re thinking about getting implants, know that they’re a safe and great way to fix missing teeth.  A routine surgical procedure typically completed in less than a couple of hours will provide you with a lifetime of benefits. 

Please call us if you’re ready to replace your missing teeth with a permanent solution. We’ll schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.  You’ll have imaging, a thorough exam, and a consultation with your dentist.  If you decide implants are right for you, we’ll quickly get to work on renewing your smile.

Give us a call today at 603-605-0036.

We look forward to helping in every way we can and can’t wait to see you smile!