Dental implants are a great solution to replace missing or damaged teeth. They provide a natural-looking solution that lasts a lifetime. Fortunately, if you start an online search, you can explore the benefits of dental implant surgery.
Who Gets Dental Implants?
Dental implants are generally used for people of all ages who have missing or damaged teeth. Dental implants are safe, affordable, and widely available. In order to make sure the implant does not move around, make noise, or cause bone damage, the titanium implant must be fused into the bone.
Qualified candidates include someone with one or more missing teeth, a fully grown and developed jawbone, adequate bone to secure the implant (or someone who is able to have a bone graft), healthy oral tissue, and no health conditions that would affect bone healing. They also have to be a non-smoker or willing quit smoking, as well as be willing to commit to a process that may span several months. You can learn whether you’re a good candidate by doing some more research online.
Dental Implants: Step By Step
From the initial consultation to the finishing touches, there are a number of steps in the journey towards a restored smile. Let’s dive into the details of this procedure.
1. Evaluation Process
The evaluation process for dental implants requires a comprehensive dental exam, X-rays, 3D images, and models made of your teeth and jaw. After reviewing your medical history, your dentist will come up with a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
2. Bone Grafting
Bone grafting is done if the jawbone isn’t thick enough or too soft to support the implant properly. This process helps create a more solid base for the implant. It can be done with natural or synthetic bone grafts.
3. Placing the Implant
During the surgery, the oral surgeon will cut open the gums so that the bone is exposed, and holes are drilled into the bone where the dental implant metal post will be placed.
4. Waiting for Bone Growth
After placing the metal implant into the jawbone, it’s time to wait for bone growth to complete osseointegration. This phase takes several months and helps provide a solid base for your new artificial tooth.
5. Placing the Abutment
Once osseointegration is complete, the next step is to place the abutment where the crown attaches. This may require an additional surgery but is typically done under local anesthesia in an outpatient setting.
6. Choosing Artificial Teeth
Once the jawbone is strong enough to hold it in place, you and your dental specialist will discuss whether you want artificial teeth that are removable, fixed, or a combination of both.
After the Procedure
Some discomfort is normal after the dental implant surgery, and you may be prescribed medication to cope with the symptoms. You should eat soft foods for a period until the discomfort subsides. The stitches will dissolve on their own, but if they aren’t, they will need to be removed by a doctor. Be sure to follow all instructions provided by your oral surgeon.
Success Rate
Dental implants have an extremely high success rate of around 98 percent. However, there are some steps that a patient must take after their procedure to ensure everything heals properly and their implants last a lifetime. A patient should maintain proper hygiene, visit the dentist regularly, avoid engaging in any damaging habits, and seek treatment if they develop teeth grinding.
To keep the implants clean, maintain proper hygiene by regular flossing and brushing. Use interdental brushes specially designed for dental implants to clean all the nooks and crannies around teeth and metal posts. Avoid engaging in any damaging habits like chewing hard items or consuming teeth-staining items. You can find other tips to increase the longevity of your dental implants by searching online.
Start Your Search For a New Smile
Dental implants offer a natural-looking and permanent solution to those with missing or damaged teeth. Unlike other tooth replacement options, such as dentures or bridges, dental implants offer many advantages, including increased confidence, improved speech, and the ability to eat and chew normally.
If you are considering dental implant surgery, it is important to consult with an experienced oral surgeon to ensure that you are a suitable candidate for the procedure. With the right care, dental implants can provide a natural-looking and permanent solution that can significantly improve your quality of life.