Dental Implants and Its Impact on Dental Health

Dental Implants and Its Impact on Dental Health

Apr 01, 2020

Dental implants are now a common option for the replacement of missing teeth. Most dental experts believe it is the best choice. In this article, we will cover more about this treatment so that you can know if it is good for you or not.

Dental Implant Definition

A dental implant is a metal (titanium) post surgically inserted into one’s jaw bone to support a synthetically made tooth (a dental crown). An oral surgeon or dentist can conduct this procedure. The success rate of dental implants is nearly 100%. Most dental implants reviews have good things to say about the treatment.

Purpose of Dental Implants

Dental implants are sturdy and can never slip while eating, unlike dentures. They don’t cause any damage to your bone. Also, dental implants cannot decay like your natural teeth. Generally, they might be good for you for any of the following reasons:

  • Replace one or more missing teeth.
  • If you are unable or don’t want to wear dentures
  • If you want to improve your speech after losing several teeth.

It is worth noting that a few things are required of you want to use dental implants. Some of these things include:

  • You should be willing to stop smoking
  • You should have enough bone or be ready for bone graft surgery.
  • Be ready to commit yourself for several months during the treatment.
  • You should be free of any health conditions that can affect bone healing.
  • Your jawbone should have grown fully.

Dental Implants Procedure: What to Expect

The procedure for this treatment is usually outpatient, and it takes several months. You should be willing to commit yourself to it if you want it to succeed.

Before the Procedure

First, you must book an appointment with a dentist or maxillofacial surgeon to discuss if you are a good candidate or not. During this visit, the dentist may conduct a comprehensive dental exam. He will take 3D and X-ray images so that he can have models of your teeth and jaws made.

He will also review your medical history. Make sure to mention everything, including the prescription you may be taking and any chronic health condition that may be troubling you. Finally, you will discuss a treatment plan for you. This plan takes into account factors such as the condition of your jawbone and the number of teeth you need to be replaced.

During the Procedure

A dental implant is surgically inserted so you should be ready for surgery. The dentist will sedate you to ensure that the surgery is painless. It is wise to have a person drive you home after the surgery since the sedation may affect your rationality for a few hours.

The surgeon/ dentist will remove the damaged tooth and prepare your jawbone for grafting if it is needed. If it is not, the dentist will make an incision in your jawbone and place the metal post (the implant). He will send you home to heal.

It takes three to six months if bone grafting is not involved. It can take up to nine months if it is. After you are ready, the dentist will place an abutment before placing the artificial tooth specifically made for you. The whole procedure will take between three and four visits to the dentist.

After the Procedure

Every surgery is associated with discomfort, and dental implant surgery is no different. These discomforts include:

  • Tooth implant pain. You may experience some pain at the implant site for the
  • first few days.
  • Swelling of your gums, sometimes even your face.
  • Minor bleeding
  • Bruising of your gums and skin

The oral surgeon/ dentist will recommend proper painkillers to help with the pain. He may also recommend some antibiotics to prevent bacterial infections. Stay in contact with him, and if any side effects get worse, call him.

Contain the side effects by trying the ice-cold compress method and avoiding hard foods during the first few days. The stitches used to stitch you up are self-dissolving, but if they are not, the surgeon will remove them for you after some time.

Risks

Just like any other surgery, some risks are associated with dental implants. They include:

  • Infection at the site of the implant
  • Injury to surrounding tooth structures
  • Risk of nerve damage
  • Sinus problems

Warm Family Dentistry

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Cold if you require dental implants. He has experience of 15+ years, and you can count on our state-of-the-art technology for a comfortable experience. Our staff speaks both English and Spanish. You can choose the one you are most comfortable using. You are all welcome.

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