Dental or oral health problems could potentially start affecting your quality of life if not dealt with at the right time. However, with advancements in the dental field and onset of modern dental treatments, restoring your missing tooth just takes a few visits to the dentist. For instance, dental implant treatment has emerged as an excellent dental procedure to replace a missing tooth in recent years.

Today, we will take a look at what dental implants are and everything you should know about the dental procedure.

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant mainly consists of a titanium post and an artificial tooth which is fixed into the mouth to replace the missing tooth or teeth. The titanium post is surgically planted into the jawbone and takes around a period of 3-6 months to completely fuse into the bone after the healing is complete. Once the healing is complete, the implant offers the desired support to the artificial tooth and the process is known as osseointegration. The portion of the artificial tooth that is visible is made of ceramic and is usually cemented or screwed on top of the titanium post.

What are the various steps involved in the procedure?

The first step of a dental implant procedure is installing the titanium post to the jawbone of the patient and wait for it to heal completely. After the healing and osseointegration are complete, a new gum tissue covers the implant. At this stage, the implant needs exposure and a healing collar is attached. Now, an impression is taken to ensure that the fixture which is used to fix the artificial ceramic tooth along with the artificial tooth can be developed. It is very essential that the two pieced fit to the post and the gap perfectly. When the artificial tooth is deemed to be ready, your dentist will check whether it fits perfectly and then cement it to the desired position.

Why you should choose implants over dentures?

There are various factors why implants have gained popularity over traditional dentures in the last decade.

The preference for implants over dentures is largely due to both factors: functionality as well as the cosmetic appeal of implants. You do not have to keep worrying about removing, inserting, and cleaning implants as in the case of dentures.

One of the biggest advantages of dental implants is that you can eat a wide range of food items. Dentures make it difficult to eat certain food items that are sticky and hard.

Compared to traditional dentures, it is much easier and convenient to clean implants. Dentures typically require additional cleaning and care which could prove to be time-consuming.

In addition, you always have to worry about dentures slipping out or moving out of its position while speaking which is not the case in implants.

How long does the procedure last for?

As getting dental implants is a multi-step process, it may take a few months for the process to complete. Your dental experts will assess your case and establish whether you are an ideal candidate for getting implants. Once, that step is complete, the implant is inserted on the scheduled date.

Post the placement of the implant, the jaw and the tissues in the region need to heal which takes around 6-12 weeks. After the healing period, your oral surgeon or dental expert will assess whether the area has healed completely before attaching a new artificial tooth.

Recovery

The procedure of inserting implants is carried out by giving local anesthesia to patients. Once the procedure is complete, you will require over-the-counter painkillers to overcome some discomfort. In addition, your dental expert will guide you through aftercare and measures you should take to recover from the surgery.

Aftercare and durability

You do not have to do anything out-of-the-box to take care of your implant. Just as you would care for your natural teeth, implants require the same aftercare i.e. brushing twice a day, flossing, and periodic visits to dentists.

Dental implants are strong and highly durable. If you take care of your implants efficiently, it can last for the rest of your life. In addition, your oral health routine over the years will also play an important role in determining the longevity of the implant.

Conclusion: Advantages of dental implants

There are various advantages of dental implants compared to the alternative tooth restoring procedures.

A dental implant looks and functions exactly like a natural tooth

Implants are highly secure and durable which means they won’t shift from its position.

One can clean implants just how they clean natural teeth unlike additional cleaning procedures required for dentures and bridges.

Implants do not affect the neighbouring teeth

Implants restore the natural contour of the face and can assist in uplifting the sagging expression on the face

Dental implants significantly help individuals chew, bite and eat their food normally without any discomfort.

Dental implants have surely emerged as one of the best and most effective tooth restoring techniques. At Grandview Dental, we focus our efforts on providing the best dental treatments and care to our patients by adopting the latest innovations and advancements in the dental field. Make an appointment with us today!