Learn More about Dental Implants

There are many methods used to replace a missing tooth. The most common ones are dentures and dental implants. In this article, we will discuss more about the latter.

The truth about Dental Implants

The treatment is usually successful and very effective. The first tooth implantation was carried out in 1985. Over the last 21 years, more than 90 percent of implant cases have been successful. Taking care of implants is easy, and they can last as long as your natural teeth.

The whole procedure is slightly expensive compared to other methods of replacing missing teeth. However, it is worth every dime. To replace a single tooth, it can cost you between $1100 and $5000. If you have lost all your teeth and you don’t want to use dentures, be prepared with at least $100, 000.

Your smile will be perfect after the implant. They look more of the same as natural teeth, and they are very durable. It is worth noting that you will still need to follow your routine dental visit, just like with your natural teeth.

Implants are solid, and one implant can be used to support your dentures or bridges. Bridges and dentures on their own can slip and make some uncomfortable noises. Dentures can lead to bone loss, and bridges can affect your natural teeth.

Dentures and bridges last for a shorter time compared to an implant. A denture can only last for a maximum of 15 years, while an implant can last for a lifetime. It is no wonder implants are becoming more and more popular.

What to Know Before and After the Treatment procedure

There are certain steps before and after the treatment. Once you know it, the process will be easier for you.

Before

• The first thing you need to know is if you are qualified for the surgery or not. Not everybody is eligible for implants. Eligible candidates have characteristics such as:
• Have one or more missing teeth
• Have a jawbone that has reached its optimal growth. This means an implant surgery cannot be performed to a child.
• The candidate must have enough bone or else be prepared for a bone graft
• The tissues of the candidate should be healthy
• He or she should be healthy and should not have any disease that can affect his or her bone from healing.
• Willing to stop smoking if he or she is a smoker.
• Willing to commit some time to the process. The whole process takes a few months.

After

After getting the implant, you must be willing to take good care of it. You will experience some discomfort after the treatment. Some of the troubles you are likely to experience include:

• Minor bleeding
• Pain at the site of the implant
• Bruising of gums and skin
• Swelling of your face and gums

You will be given some antibiotics and painkillers in the dental clinic. You will also be advised on what to do with the swelling and the minor bleedings.

You will be advised to mostly eat soft foods and avoid the hard ones for a few days. If the pain is too much, even after taking painkillers, inform your surgeon, and he will advise you accordingly. You will be required to visit a dental clinic from time to time for a checkup.

How Long Does a Dental Implant Procedure Take?

The whole process is done in phases. You don’t visit a dental clinic once, and you are good to go. It is a procedure that takes up to eight months.

During the first phase, you are educated and prepared psychologically. A CT scan is conducted, and if need be, the damaged tooth is extracted. If no bone grafting is needed, the doctors can jump right into the second phase.

However, if a bone graft is required, you will have to wait for another three months before going for the second phase.

During the second phase, an artificial root, mostly made of titanium, is placed in your bone. The procedure will take an hour or two. You will then be released to go home to wait for the wound to heal. The healing time of the wound is between three and six months.

It is during the third phase that the crown is placed. An impression is made from your mouth, and then a tooth is made just for you. It will take about two weeks to get the right shape, size, and color. The crown will be placed two weeks later, and you are good to go.

If you require implant services, give us a call. At Garden Lakes Family Dentistry, our personnel is experienced in this field, and you can be sure of high-quality services.