Before you get your first dental implant, it’s a good idea to know what you’re getting into. A dental implant is a tiny device that acts as a replacement for the missing tooth root. They are used to restore teeth that have been damaged or extracted due to decay or injury. In other words, if you’ve lost your tooth because of injury or decay and don’t have another one to replace it with, an implant is your best option. Let’s take a look at what happens during the dental implant procedure and how you can prepare beforehand.
Dental implants in the treatment of missing teeth
Dental implants are approved in the United States as a treatment option for the treatment of severe tooth loss. They are generally reserved for patients who have lost all but one tooth due to trauma, infection, or extractions (this is called a “decayed or extracted” tooth).
Dental implants are an excellent treatment option for patients who have poor bone health, because they provide a solid foundation for your new tooth. Additionally, if your new tooth is lost, it does not come off with the original tooth.
In general, dental implants are a good choice for patients who have only a few teeth missing, but they are not right for almost anyone.
If you are interested in dental implants, there are a few things you should know first.
Is a dental implant right for you?
Before you get your implant teeth, it’s important to think about why you need them in the first place. Were all your teeth healthy before you lost the tooth? Did you have decay or injury? These are all things you need to think about before you get your implant surgery.
If you have few or no teeth left, but you had healthy teeth before you lost them, you can still get dental implants.
But if you had healthy teeth, but you got injured or lost them due to infection, or because of trauma, you are a good candidate for implants.
If you have few or no teeth left, but the missing teeth were very narrow or close to another tooth, implants are a good option. If you have other reasons why implants are a good option for you, do not hesitate to get more information from dental implant specialists.
Dental implants for replacing single teeth
If you’ve lost a single tooth due to trauma or extraction, or it has damaged so badly you can’t save it, a dental implant can help you replace it with a new, healthy tooth.
A dental implant is a tiny titanium rod that is surgically placed into your jawbone. Over time, your body will naturally fuse with the titanium rod, creating a strong and stable bridge between the two teeth.
Unlike a bridge, where you can only bite on one side, a dental implant-supported bridge allows you to chew on both sides.
It’s important to keep in mind that a dental implant-supported bridge is not a permanent solution. The implants will eventually fuse with your jaw, and you will need a new bridge.
Dental implants for replacing multiple teeth
The procedure for dental implants for replacing multiple teeth is the same as the single-tooth procedure, but with multiple implants placed in the jawbone.
The implants are positioned and secured in the same way as for replacing a single tooth, but multiple implants can support a much wider range of teeth.
A dental implant-supported bridge can support almost any tooth type, from a crown to a bridge, from an implant-supported fixed bridge to an implant-supported removable bridge.
A dental implant-supported bridge can provide you with long-term support and keep your teeth healthy, even in the case of serious trauma.
The implants are strong enough to resist even large forces, so they can support your teeth even if you have a high impact injury or fall heavily on your teeth.
After the dental implant surgery
The recovery time for dental implants is similar to that of a traditional dental crown. Your gums may be a little sore, but in most cases, you can eat right away and have a little drink to wash down your food.
You should refrain from chewing gum after dental surgery, as it can irritate the gum tissue. Eating soft foods and drinking liquids are fine.
You can also exercise your mouth gently by chewing on pieces of food or sucking on a finger.
You can expect the healing process to take about 6 to 9 months.
Conclusion
Now that you know what happens during a dental implant procedure and how to prepare for it, you’re ready to get your first dental implant! Be sure to ask your dentist about their experience, credentials, and preferred dental implant procedure.
If you’re interested in dental implants, talk to your dentist today. There are many benefits to having dental implants, and they are an excellent treatment option for patients who have poor bone health, because they provide a solid foundation for your new tooth.
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