What You Need To Know About Dental Implants
So, you lost a tooth and have been looking into solutions, which boil down to either traditional denture, or implant.
You have heard about dental implant before, and decide to go against it because it sounds scary and painful. You decide to go with traditional denture instead.
Well, while dentures will do just fine, I’m here to assure you that dental implant is the superior choice, and you should not overlook it because of how the procedure sounds.
In fact, dental implants are considered the gold standard in tooth replacement because they provide a long-term, durable, and natural-looking solution that can improve both the appearance and function of your smile.
In this blog post, Dr Chin will provide an overview of dental implants, including their benefits, the implantation process, and post-implant care. Hopefully by the end of this blog, you will not fear it as much as before.
First, what are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of biocompatible materials, typically titanium, that are surgically placed into the jawbone.
They serve as a sturdy foundation for replacement teeth or dental prosthetics such as crowns, bridges, or dentures.
Dental implants mimic the natural tooth structure, providing stability and functionality similar to that of a natural tooth.
After a successful dental implant, you should feel like you have not lost a tooth at all.
What are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
While people might shy away from dental implant because of its prejudice (require surgery, painful, etc.) it is considered by many to be superior to traditional dentures in many ways:
Improved Appearance: Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth, helping to restore your smile and facial aesthetics. They integrate seamlessly with the surrounding teeth, providing a natural appearance.
Enhanced Oral Function: Unlike traditional dentures, dental implants provide a stable and secure bite, allowing you to chew, speak, and eat comfortably without worrying about slippage or discomfort.
Long-lasting Solution: With proper care and maintenance, dental implants can last a lifetime. They are highly durable and resistant to decay and deterioration, making them a reliable long-term tooth replacement option.
Preserves Jawbone Health: When a tooth is lost, the underlying jawbone can start to deteriorate due to lack of stimulation. Dental implants stimulate the jawbone, preventing bone loss and preserving the overall structure and integrity of the jaw.
Improved Speech: Missing teeth or ill-fitting dentures can affect your ability to speak clearly. Dental implants restore your ability to enunciate words properly and speak with confidence.
Convenient and Comfortable: Dental implants eliminate the need for removable dentures, adhesives, and other temporary solutions. Once the implants are in place, you can care for them just like your natural teeth.
The Dental Implantation Process
Here’s how a standard dental implant will look like:
Initial Consultation: During the first visit, your dentist will assess your oral health, examine your jawbone density, and discuss the treatment plan. X-rays, 3D scans, or impressions may be taken to determine the precise placement of the implants.
Implant Placement: The implantation procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia. The dentist will create an incision in the gum tissue to expose the jawbone and then carefully insert the implant into the bone. Over time, the implant fuses with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration.
Healing Period: It takes a few months for the implant to fully integrate with the jawbone. During this healing period, temporary crowns or bridges may be placed to maintain aesthetics and functionality.
Abutment Placement: Once the implant has bonded with the jawbone, a small connector called an abutment is attached to the implant. The abutment serves as the base for the final restoration.
Final Restoration: After the gums have healed around the abutment, a custom-made crown, bridge, or denture is attached to the abutment. The restoration is designed to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth, ensuring a seamless and natural-looking result.
Post-Implant Care
Proper care and maintenance are essential to ensure the longevity and success of your dental implants. Here are some guidelines:
Brush and floss regularly: Treat your dental implants like natural teeth, brushing twice a day and flossing daily to remove plaque and prevent gum disease.
Regular dental visits: Schedule routine check-ups with your dentist for professional cleanings and examinations. Your dentist will monitor the health of your implants and address any concerns.
Avoid harmful habits: Avoid smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and chewing on hard objects, as these can compromise the integrity of the implants.
Maintain good oral hygiene: Use a non-abrasive toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your teeth and implant-supported restorations gently.
Follow dietary recommendations: Initially, stick to a soft food diet while your implants are healing. Once fully healed, you can resume a normal diet, but be cautious with extremely hard or sticky foods that could damage your implants.
In conclusion, dental implant is the superior solution to traditional denture, and many of my patients are very happy with their new implant after all is said and done.
If you are considering this solution, why not schedule for a chat with our friendly dentist at Dental On The Bay? We will gladly assist with your concerns and worries!
