Dental implants can be a great option for replacing missing teeth and restoring your smile. Getting dental implants involves minor surgery, but the results are well worth it. With proper care, implants can last for many years, providing functional and aesthetic benefits. They allow you to speak, eat, and smile with confidence again.
The Dental Implant Procedure
Dental implants are titanium substitutes for missing tooth roots that are surgically inserted into the jawbone. The implant procedure typically involves two phases. First, the surgeon places the implant into the jawbone during surgery. The patient receives local anesthesia to numb the area before the surgeon makes a small incision in the gums. They then drill a hole into the jawbone where the implant will be placed. The implant is fitted into the hole and the gums are sutured closed over it. During this initial healing phase, the implant osseointegrates with the jawbone, which takes 3-6 months.
Once fully healed, phase two involves uncovering the implant and attaching an abutment post to it. An impression is taken and a dental lab creates a custom crown to fit on top of the abutment. Once the crown is ready, the dentist cements it onto the abutment post to complete the tooth restoration. The crown functions like a natural tooth and allows the patient to eat and speak normally. Overall, the dental implant process aims to provide patients with a permanent and functional replacement for missing teeth that looks and feels like a natural tooth. However, proper oral hygiene is required to ensure the long-term success of dental implants from Treasured Smiles.
Types of Dental Implants
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots used in dentistry to support restorations that resemble a tooth or group of teeth. The following are several main types of dental implants.
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Endosteal implants –
The majority of dental implants are used in this way. They are surgically implanted directly into the jawbone, like screws. Once the surrounding bone heals, these provide a sturdy foundation for permanent replacement teeth. Single tooth implants or multiple adjacent implants can be used to support crowns, bridgeworks, or dentures.
These consist of a metal framework placed under the gum but on top of the jawbone. After healing, posts protrude through the gums to hold the prosthetic teeth. These are used where the jawbone has insufficient height or width for endosteal implants.
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Blade implants –
Also called staple implants, these flat, plate-like devices are placed into slots surgically created in the jawbone. They act as anchors for the prosthetic teeth. These tend to be used only when other types of implants cannot be due to jawbone resorption.
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Mini dental implants –
These are narrower than standard implants and can be placed in areas with minimal bone depth or width. They can be used to stabilize removable dentures or partials.
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Zygomatic implants –
Longer than standard implants, these anchor in the cheekbone for situations where the upper jawbone is compromised and unable to support regular dental implants.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants are an excellent option for replacing missing teeth and provide many benefits over other tooth replacement options. Unlike bridges which require grinding down adjacent healthy teeth, implants are placed directly into the jawbone without affecting neighboring teeth. They also help prevent bone loss that occurs after losing teeth. The titanium posts fuse with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration, providing stability and allowing the implants to function like natural teeth.
The longevity of dental implants is one of their main benefits. With proper care, they can last for decades and often a lifetime, while other options like bridges may need replacing every five to 15 years. Implants also protect the structural integrity of the facial bones better than removable dentures which can cause bone loss over time. This ensures the natural shape of the face is maintained.
In addition to their longevity, implants provide comfort and confidence for the patient. They are fixed in place so there is no slipping or clicking like there can be with dentures. The implants feel and function like real teeth, allowing the patient to eat and speak normally. Patients report improvements in their self-esteem and quality of life after getting implants.
Aesthetically, dental implants look very natural and preserve the smile. With their realistic root shape, crown color, and light reflection, they are indistinguishable from natural teeth. Implants prevent the sunken cheeks look that can occur with missing teeth and dentures. For all these reasons, dental implants are often the best solution for replacing lost teeth.
Recovering from Dental Implant Surgery
- Rest and limit activity for the first 24-48 hours. Avoid strenuous activity for the first few days and take it easy. The implants need time to begin bonding with the bone. Too much movement can disrupt the initial healing.
- Ice packs help keep swelling to a minimum.
- Take pain medications prescribed by the oral surgeon.
- Eat soft foods for the first few days, avoiding anything very hot or spicy foods.
- Drink lots of fluids and avoid alcohol for the first 48 hours. Stay hydrated and avoid dry sockets by avoiding sucking actions like using a straw.
- Practice good oral hygiene but avoid the implant site when brushing. Don’t rinse vigorously and avoid disturbing the implant site.
- Sleep with your head elevated for the first two or three nights to minimize swelling. Use extra pillows or sleep in a recliner.
- Avoid smoking after surgery, as it can negatively impact healing.
- Take any antibiotics or other medications as prescribed by your dentist.
- Attend follow-up appointments so your dentist can monitor your recovery.
- After the first few days, you can slowly resume normal activity. However, avoid very strenuous exercise for seven to ten days.
When considering implants, ask your dentist about the procedure involved, recovery time, success rate, and longevity. Make sure you understand the number of visits and total costs. Ask about their experience and credentials for placing implants and if they work with a specialist like a periodontist or oral surgeon for complex cases. Discuss options for the design of implant-supported teeth like custom crowns or bridges. Also ask about maintenance, aftercare, and if implants may impact oral hygiene. Knowing what to expect will help ensure implants successfully restore your smile for years to come.
