Tooth loss, due to injury or gum disease, can lower the quality of your life. It can hinder your speech and make chewing difficult. Dental implants are an effective and long-term solution. Here’s everything you need to know about them:
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are structures inserted into a patient’s jawbone to replace a missing tooth. Dental implant surgery consists of various steps. The process begins when a surgeon inserts a titanium or ceramic screw into the jawbone, which acts as an anchor for the artificial tooth. Here, the process of osseointegration begins. During osseointegration, the jawbone grows into the implant body, creating a strong surface for the artificial tooth.
A device called an abutment connects the implant body with the newly placed crown. Crowns are custom-made to match the color and alignment of a patient’s teeth. They appear and function like natural teeth. You can also choose between a removable and fixed artificial tooth.
Reasons to Get Dental Implants
Patients consider dental implant surgery for various reasons, including:
- One or more missing teeth.
- Loose dentures.
- Jaw pain because of missing teeth.
- Difficulty chewing.
- Broken or cracked tooth.
- A loose bridge.
For many patients, dentures and bridges lead to sunken facial features. You may feel insecure or conscious about your smile. Dental implants are an excellent option for such situations.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants offer a range of benefits for different patients. Here are the most common ones:
Improved Gum Health:Â Loose dentures can lead to sore gums and even cause gum diseases. Dental implants can improve your overall oral health.
Comfortable:Â Dentures or bridges may come loose and cause discomfort. Dental implants are firmly anchored into your jaw, meaning there is little chance of slipping.
Easy to Maintain:Â There is no need for frequent dentist visits to maintain the functionality of dental implants. They act like normal teeth and can be cleaned with brushing or flossing. With proper maintenance, dental implants can last a lifetime.
Improved Smile:Â Missing teeth can affect your facial alignment. Due to bone loss, the appearance of your smile might be altered. A dental implant surgery can reverse this situation.
Better Chewing: Dental implants can improve your jaw’s function and help you thoroughly chew food.
Preparing for a Dental Implant
There are several steps you should take before getting a dental implant. This includes:
- Consult with dental specialists such as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
- Remember to take the medicines prescribed by your surgeon before getting an implant.
- Consider different sedation options such as nitrous oxide or IV sedation. Discuss the risks associated with different sedation options with your surgeon beforehand.
By taking these steps, you can have a stress-free dental implant surgery.
After-care Steps for Dental Implants
After your dental implant procedure, you might experience gum swelling, bruising of gums and skin, and minor bleeding. Your surgeon will give you medications to manage the pain. Moreover, you should take soft foods to speed up the healing process.
To elongate the lifespan of your dental implants, regularly brush and floss. Take proper care of your oral health to prevent costly procedures in the future.
