Missing A Tooth Or Two? Get Dental Implant Surgery.
Many adolescents and all adults never have the natural option of regrowing a tooth after losing it. However, this is not to say they do not have many viable options for replacement. Modern dentistry has provided us with a wide array of tooth replacement options. One of these options is dental implant treatment. It happens to be one of the best too. In this article, we will see all that getting dental implants near you entails.
A dental implant is an artificial tooth supported by metal, screw like posts that are surgically planted to serve as teeth roots. After surgery, the bone heals around a dental implant making it quite solid. This way, the titanium in the implant fuses with the jawbone. Bone healing takes time and this means that the process can take many months. But, you are sure to end up with a wonderful and long-lasting replacement for lost teeth after. This is because implants will not slip, make any noise or cause bone damage. Also, they do not decay. A dentist in Salt Lake City, UT will consider some factors before performing full dental implant surgery. These include the condition of your jawbone and the kind of implant you will be getting.
Who Can Get Dental Implants?
Of course, anyone who has one or two knocked-out teeth will benefit from a dental implant. However, a dentist in Taylorsville, UT will ensure that your jawbone has reached full growth before you can get full dental implants. Beyond this, the jawbone needs to be able to secure the implants and have a bone graft. Your oral tissues have to be in great shape too and you should not have any condition that prevents bone healing. You have to be able to avoid tobacco and commit the several months required for bone healing to the process. Anyone that satisfies these conditions can get a dental implant.
What Is The Procedure Like?
Many specialists are involved in dental implant surgeries. They include oral and maxillofacial surgeons, periodontists, prosthodontists, and sometimes ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) specialists. The surgery will be done in phases with gaps in between to allow for healing. Before surgery, your dentist in Salt Lake City, UT may take dental X-rays and 3D images of your teeth and jaw. A thorough review of your medical history will be taken too.
If the tooth to be replaced is still in place, the process starts with removing it. The next stage is jawbone grafting. However, not everyone needs to undergo this process. Bone grafting is done when the jawbone is not strong enough to support an implant. When we chew, we exert a lot of pressure on our jawbone. A weak jawbone will likely translate to a failed dental implant surgery. The graft can be taken from other bones in one’s body or synthetic graft is used.
After bone grafting, the dental implant is placed. An oral surgeon cuts into the gum to expose the bone and drill holes where the dental implant metal post will be placed. This has to be placed deep for good support. After this, bone healing around the implant starts. This ensures a solid base for the implant. After several months, the implant is now ready for an abutment. The abutment is attached to the dental implant after the oral surgeon cuts into the gum. The gums need to heal for about two weeks before the artificial tooth will be finally attached. You can opt for a fixed or removable artificial tooth or even a combination of both.
There are some risks attached to the process. However, these are rare and very treatable. They include infection at the site of implant, injury or damage to surrounding structures, nerve damage, and sinus problems.
How To Maintain Your Dental Implant.
Follow all instructions given to you by your dentist. Good oral hygiene is very important. You may need interdental brushes to help with a dental cleaning. Go for your scheduled check-ups with your dentist. Avoid damaging habits like ice chewing and tobacco smoking.