When you get dental implants, you need to follow a detailed treatment plan. The procedure requires some time for the implant to fuse to your jawbone, a process called osseointegration.
During this period, you should avoid smoking or taking certain medications that could affect healing. Your doctor will also take 3D scans of your mouth to see the condition of your bone.
How They Work
The process of getting a tooth implant can vary depending on the complexity of your case, but for most patients, it will take several months to complete the entire process. First, you will need to meet with your dentist or oral surgeon to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. They will check your health history and take X-rays of your mouth to ensure that you have enough bone to support an implant. If you do not, then you may need to undergo a bone graft before you can have an implant placed.
Once you have been approved for an implant, the next step is to schedule surgery. During the surgery, you will be given a local anesthetic to numb your gums and prevent pain. Then, the surgeon will create a small incision in your gums and then use a series of drills to expose the bone of your jaw. A titanium post will be inserted into the hole and then secured with screws or other materials. The implant will then be covered with the gums and allowed to heal.
As the implant heals, you should avoid biting down on hard objects and practicing proper dental hygiene to prevent complications like infection or inflammation. You will also need to visit your dentist or oral surgeon for regular cleanings and checkups.
One of the main risks of implant surgery is a condition known as “integration failure.” This occurs when the implant does not bond to the jawbone. However, this is rare if you follow the advice of your dentist or oral surgeon and maintain good oral health. It is also important to not smoke or engage in activities that can negatively affect your dental health, such as chewing ice or hard objects.
Another potential risk of implant surgery is nerve damage. This can be a major problem if you are not careful when having the procedure done and can cause lasting pain in your mouth. This is why it is important to talk to your doctor or oral surgeon about any concerns before the surgery.
Why They Are So Popular
Dental implants are a long-lasting, durable and beautiful way to replace missing teeth. They are designed to function like natural teeth, allowing you to chew more effectively and speak clearly. They also preserve bone by reducing the deterioration of jawbone that occurs when teeth are missing. And unlike bridges or dentures, which require abutments to hold the replacement teeth in place, implants are directly fused into the jaw bone.
A titanium metal implant is placed in the spot where your tooth root once was. This is because titanium is biocompatible, meaning it will integrate with the natural bone tissue without causing any adverse side effects. After the surgical procedure, your dentist will wait for a few months so that the implant can heal and grow around it. Then, a connector piece called an abutment is attached to the implant so that the final restoration (crown) can be placed.
Your dentist will create a treatment plan based on your unique needs, including any preparatory work such as bone grafting that may be required to ensure your success with the implant. They will consider your general oral health, medical history and any allergies to medication or anesthesia. Generally, any healthy adult who has lost a tooth or multiple teeth is a candidate for dental implants. But smokers or those with autoimmune diseases that affect the immune system are at an increased risk of infection and complications, so they may not be the best candidates for this treatment.
You will want to treat your dental implants just as you would your natural teeth, including brushing twice a day and flossing. You will also need to see your dentist for routine cleanings and checkups, which are typically twice a year.
While implants are more expensive than other restorative options such as dentures or a bridge, they are the most long-lasting and durable option. Dental implants can last for decades with proper care, and many patients report that they feel and look like their natural teeth. For these reasons, they are a popular choice for replacing one or more missing teeth.
Advantages
A major advantage of dental implants is that they look, feel and function like natural teeth. They are also durable, and patients who properly care for their implants can expect them to last a lifetime. Dental implants are also more permanent than other tooth replacement options, such as bridges or dentures.
They are designed to fuse with the jaw bone and are not removable. They can be brushed and flossed just as you would your natural teeth, and they can even help prevent the bone loss that occurs when a tooth is missing for an extended period of time.
It is important to note that getting dental implants does involve surgery, and there is a slight risk of complications. This is why it is important to talk to your oral surgeon about the risks and benefits of this procedure before you decide to have it done.
Most people do not experience much pain or swelling during or after their dental implant surgery. If you do have pain or swelling, over-the-counter pain relievers can be used to manage it. It is also important to follow your doctor’s instructions for post-surgical care and to keep up with regular appointments.
Dental implants are designed to be long-lasting, but there is always a chance that they will fail. The implant will need to be replaced if it becomes loose or infected. Despite this, implant failure is not very common, and the overall success rate is very high.
Another advantage of dental implants is that they don’t require any dietary restrictions, as long as you maintain proper hygiene and schedule your regular visits to your dentist. This is a big advantage over other tooth replacement options, which may require you to follow specific dietary or oral hygiene guidelines in order to protect the surrounding healthy teeth.
When an implant is placed, it is important to let all health care providers and imaging technicians know that you have an artificial tooth in place, as this could impact the results of your tests or treatment. You should also let them know if you are planning on getting an MRI or x-rays in the future, as these procedures can cause damage to dental implants.
Costs
The costs associated with dental implants vary depending on a patient’s specific needs. A dentist will first complete a full evaluation and take into account a patient’s unique situation before providing an accurate cost estimate. A number of additional expenses can add up, such as the implant itself, abutment, crown, and other materials. Surgical fees can also be costly, as well as any necessary pre-op treatments, such as bone grafting and sinus lifts. Additionally, sedation and general anesthesia are often necessary during implant surgery.
The total cost of a dental implant can be offset in some cases by insurance or other payment plans. Many dental practices offer financing options that allow patients to spread out the one-time cost of the procedure into more manageable monthly payments, reducing the initial out-of-pocket expense.
It’s also important to thoroughly research the various dental clinics in your area and consider a patient’s long-term oral health goals when making this type of investment. The cheapest option is not always the best in terms of quality or long-term outcomes, so it’s essential that you choose a dental practice with a team of experienced professionals who can provide the best value for your money. For those seeking high-quality dental care in Melbourne, Carnegie Dental Group offers comprehensive services, from routine cleanings to advanced procedures.
Once an implant has been placed, a patient should follow the doctor’s prescription for post-op care and stick to a soft diet in order to minimize pain and swelling. They should also be sure to keep the implant clean, using the prescribed mouthwash and brushing technique. Those who have dental implants should avoid smoking or drinking alcohol, as this can increase the risk of infection and negatively impact the health of the implant site.
If the implant does happen to fail, a dentist can usually replace it quickly. Although the success rate for dental implants is extremely high, it’s important to understand that they do not come without risks. Some individuals are at a higher risk of failure than others, including those with poor oral health, those who smoke, and those who have had previous gum or tooth extractions. The best way to reduce the risk of failure is to schedule regular follow-up appointments with a qualified periodontist.