Whether you’re considering getting implants or you’ve already scheduled your procedure, this post will give you all the information you need to know.
Dental Implants
Implant dentistry is a metal post that is surgically installed into the jawbone and acts as a base for artificial teeth. They replace the root of missing teeth and can last many years with proper care. Essentially, a dental implant acts like an anchor for an artificial tooth, as it holds and supports it in place.
Furthermore, they also help to retain jaw bone structure, reduce pressure on other remaining teeth around it, and mimic closely the feel of natural teeth enamel. Since these prosthetics act just like real teeth, dental implants offer patients who have suffered from tooth loss a chance to restore oral health and enjoy increased self-confidence by having a beautiful smile.
The Process of Getting a Dental Implant
Getting dental implant surgery can be an intimidating prospect, but it doesn’t need to be. For any surgical or invasive procedure, your dentist will walk you through the process before, during, and after your surgery.
Preparations
Before beginning the dental implant procedure, your dentist will work to ensure a good fit so that you get the best result by evaluating your dental health, making sure that you don’t have any tooth decay or gum disease, and how much bone is available and taking x-rays or CT scans before deciding on the correct design.
Whether you need a single dental implant or multiple teeth, your dentist will need to determine whether you need bone grafting or not. A dental bone graft will give your jawbone more volume and density if you have lost bone in certain areas.
Implant Surgery
During the surgical procedure, your dentist will cut the gum tissue, exposing the jawbone underneath.
Then he will drill deep into the bone for the implant placement. The implant is placed within the jawbone, and a protective cap is added to help hold it in place.
Over time, your implant will integrate with the surrounding bone and create a strong base for your new artificial tooth. As the implant becomes stronger, you can begin fitting attachments that will secure your dental prosthetic.
Once your implant has fully healed, the abutment is placed at the implant site. The abutment offers a secure connection between the implant and the artificial tooth as it serves as an anchor for them to connect.
The final step of the procedure involves placing the artificial tooth, or crown, onto the implant. The implant will support the crown until it becomes a permanent fixture in your mouth and feels just like any other real tooth.
What to Expect After The Implant Surgery?
After your dental implant surgery, you may experience some swelling and bleeding around the site. You should expect to feel discomfort for a few days after the surgery and will likely be instructed to take pain medication if necessary.
Brush and floss your teeth like you normally would, but be extra gentle when brushing around the implant area.
Your dentist will advise you to avoid certain activities, such as smoking or chewing hard foods, that can damage the implant and reduce its effectiveness.
The benefits of dental implants
Dental implants are an excellent and effective solution for replacing missing or damaged teeth. Compared to other options, such as dentures and bridges, dental implants provide advantages that cannot be found elsewhere.
The advantages of getting an implant include:
- A more secure fit and improved chewing ability.
- A natural tooth-like appearance makes them more aesthetically pleasing.
- Help preserve the jawbone’s natural shape because they fuse directly to the bone they’re inserted into
How to take care of your new dental implants?
Aftercare plays an essential role in maximizing the effectiveness and longevity of your dental implant treatment. Following implant instructions given by your implant dentist, such as using a mouthguard or avoiding foods that are hard to chew, is critical for the success of implant aftercare.
Proper implant maintenance requires choosing toothbrush and flossing techniques suitable for implant crowns and scheduling routine follow-up appointments with your implant dentist for cleanings and checkups.
Brushing and flossing daily helps maintain good oral hygiene, which helps increase the service life of your implants, so it’s important to care for your implant as you would with any other tooth. With proper implant aftercare and regular professional cleanings, you can enjoy a lovely natural smile for years to come.
Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth and have many benefits. If you are considering dental implants, we encourage you to contact our office for more information. Our dental experts at MyHM Dentist would be happy to answer any of your questions and help you get started on the path to a beautiful, healthy smile! Call us now on (02) 9158 6379.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
Dental Implant Procedure
https://www.perio.org/for-patients/periodontal-treatments-and-procedures/dental-implant-procedures/
What are dental implants?
https://www.aaid-implant.org/faqs/what-are-dental-implants/
Dental Implant Surgery
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/dental-implant-surgery/about/pac-20384622
Dental Implants: Placing Abutments and Making Your Prosthesis
https://www.fairview.org/patient-education/89711
Dental Implants
https://www.aae.org/patients/root-canal-treatment/endodontic-treatment-options/dental-implants/
