When you need to remedy permanent teeth loss due to an injury, dental implants are the most viable solution. An implant is made of mostly titanium and has a design that mimics the root of the tooth. Modern dental implants have been utilized for more than three decades to provide a strong alternative to teeth. The procedure requires the skill of a qualified dentist to complete successfully. Here are a few things you need to know before going for an implant procedure.
Purpose of Dental Implants
Missing teeth may be responsible for a host of physical, mental, and social problems. A missing tooth can impair your ability to speak and will make you self-conscious. Multiple missing teeth can actually interfere with your pronunciation. Luckily, dental implants can help resolve these problems.
Dental implants are an ideal alternative for wearing dentures. Additionally, the titanium base is designed to fuse with the gums, which prevents the deterioration of the gum line. When you are missing one or more teeth, the underlying bone can weaken due to dormancy. Dental implants stimulate the bone and can prevent resorption.
Risk Factors
Just like with any procedure, the surgery to place implants has risks. A dental care professional will evaluate you to determine if you are fit for surgery.
Individuals with diabetes are not qualified as their teeth would take a long time to heal, and one is generally more susceptible to infections. The jaws of young children are still growing, making them unsuitable for surgery. Smoking is another risk factor that may interfere with recovery.
Initial Consultation
The procedure to get modern dental implants starts with an initial dental consultation. You’ll get the opportunity to discuss details about the surgery with a dental care services provider. The dentist will take x-rays of your gum to develop a custom implant. It is at this stage that the dentist informs you about your specific risks and much more.
The Procedure
The procedure takes place in a dental office on an outpatient basis. You will undergo surgery carried out by a team of dental professionals with experience in oral surgery. Depending on the condition of your oral health, your gums may need preparation. A dentist may propose bone grafting to ensure your gumline is healthy.
Your family dentist will make an incision to place the dental implant root on the gums. After the placement, the incision is covered and allowed to heal. You will be requested to go back for follow-up treatment.
The Recovery Period
It is worth noting that different people will recover at varying rates. Some patients may have dental implants and teeth placed in one procedure. For others, the gums may take months before the placement of replacement teeth.
However, it is always advisable to go for all the follow-up treatments. When you have oral care problems during recovery, your local dentist can address the problem as it arises. You’ll also get advice on the medication, diet, and lifestyle habits that can impact your recovery.
Bottom-Line
You’ll need to adapt to new lifestyle habits to ensure a smooth recovery. Tobacco products, hard candy, and sugary foods are some of the things your dentist will ask you to avoid. Dental hygiene is also crucial during this period. Even though implants cannot decay, they can still be a factor in the spread of periodontal disease.
