When you play a sport, you give your performance your all. Unfortunately, sometimes your opponent does, too, which can result in the occasional injury. If you have lost teeth due to an athletic accident, it’s important to replace them as soon as possible to prevent a variety of problems like tooth drift, speech problems, and even jawbone deterioration. Here’s how durable, lifelike dental implants can help, and why these prosthetics are the perfect solution to sports-related tooth loss!
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are the world’s only permanent tooth replacement solution. They work by attaching a small titanium or zirconium post into the jaw where it fuses with the bone via a process called osseointegration. The post is then given an abutment and a replacement tooth in the form of a crown, bridge, or denture that looks and feels just like a real tooth or teeth.
What are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
In addition to restoring the complete appearance of your smile, dental implants provide a variety of important benefits to your oral and overall health. First, because they fill in the empty spaces in your arch, they allow you to speak clearly and enjoy a full diet of nutritious foods that will help you perform on and off the field in Vienna.
Furthermore, because they are permanently anchored into your jaw, they provide important stimulation which protects your remaining natural teeth from drifting or falling out due to jawbone deterioration. Finally, because they’re attached via an implant post, they don’t require you to alter any existing healthy teeth to anchor like a dental bridge might, nor do they require you to remove them after eating and at night like you do with dentures.
The Dental Implant Process
Getting a dental implant is a four-step process that can take up to a year. First, you’ll meet with your dentist for a consultation. Then, you’ll undergo the implant placement surgery. Next, your implant will need to fuse with your jawbone via osseointegration, which may take up to six months. After it’s ready, you’ll have your abutment(s) placed (the parts which connect the teeth to the implant) and after healing from that minor surgery is completed, you’ll get your final restoration and can immediately begin using your new smile!
Remember, accidentally losing a tooth during sports can happen even to the most well-protected mouths. The good news is that durable, lifelike dental implants can help replace lost teeth and permanently restore the appearance and function of your smile!
About Our Practice
At Pace Dental of Vienna, Dr. Jafari and Dr. Saad want to protect your smile both on and off the field. If you’ve lost one or more teeth due to a sports-related injury, closing the gaps in your grin is easier than you might think with the help of durable, lifelike dental implants. To learn more about this treatment and to see how it can help you, visit our website to schedule a dental implant consultation, or call us directly at 703-705-7476.
