Technically speaking, dental implants are considered restorative devices that — as their name suggests — are primarily used to restore the health, strength, and function of a person’s smile. However, with dental implants, patients can also enjoy a more beautiful and complete smile that leaves them feeling confident about their aesthetic appearance. If you are facing the extraction of a tooth (or teeth), or if you are already missing one or more teeth, you may be interested in learning more about the exciting cosmetic and functional benefits of implant dentistry. Here, the knowledgeable team at Sunshine Dental, led by Corona, CA dentist Dr. Bhavik Bhakta, answers many of the most common dental implant FAQs, including questions about how dental implants can give your appearance a stunning new upgrade.

What is the purpose of a dental implant?

If you are like many patients, you may be surprised to learn that dental implants are not artificial replacements for natural teeth. Instead, the dental implant is the titanium screw that is implanted into a patient’s jawbone — to which an artificial tooth, known as a restoration, is affixed. Dental implants can support a number of different kinds of dental restorations, including crowns, bridges, and dentures. Generally speaking, the purpose of a dental implant is to replace the root of a missing natural tooth, preserve the bone, tissue, and facial structures, and provide a stable base to support a dental restoration — all with the goal of maintaining and/or restoring the patient’s oral health, dental function, and aesthetic appearance.

Are dental implants considered cosmetic?

The implants themselves are typically classified as a restorative dental device, though that isn’t to say that they don’t provide some compelling cosmetic benefits as well. These may include:

• Prevent atrophy and preserve facial structure by replacing a natural tooth root
• Provide support for custom restorations that can restore a more complete, seamless smile
• Allows for the attachment of custom restorations that can create a brighter, whiter, more attractive smile

Are dental implants permanent?

Patients who want to avoid the hassle of removable dentures and messy adhesives are often excited about the more long-term solution offered by dental implants and implant-supported restorations. Still, it is important to keep in mind that while dental implants typically last a lifetime, the attached restorations may need repair or replacement at some point in time. To avoid damaging your implant-supported restorations and keep your smile looking and functioning at its best for as long as possible, use these helpful tips for dental implant and restoration maintenance:

• Do not smoke
• Maintain proper oral and dental hygiene
• Attend all regularly scheduled dental exams and in-office cleanings
• Adhere to a healthy, balanced diet
• Limit consumption of sugary, sticky, crunchy, and processed foods
• Avoid biting your nails, chewing ice, and using your teeth to open packages

With these healthy habits, your implant-supported restorations can last for up to a decade or longer and keep your smile looking its best.

Consider dental implants in Corona, CA for both cosmetic and functional benefits

Despite being dental restorations, implants and implant-supported devices like crowns and bridges can give patients the opportunity to transform the appearance of their smile as well. Take the first step toward boosting both the form and function of your teeth with dental implants by calling Sunshine Dental to schedule your initial consultation and examination with Corona, CA implant dentist Dr. Bhavik Bhakta today.