Dental Implants: A Permanent Solution for Missing Teeth
Missing one or more teeth can directly impact the look and function of your smile. Common side effects of missing teeth can range from pain and misalignment to difficulty chewing. It can also increase your risk of gum disease. If you’re missing teeth, it’s essential to understand your restorative options. Dental implants are among the most popular treatments for missing teeth; they offer a permanent solution that can last a lifetime with proper care. Find out how dental implants work and whether or not you may be a good candidate for this procedure.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implant surgery is a procedure in which natural tooth roots are replaced with screw-like metal posts. An artificial tooth is attached to the post for a realistic and fully functioning tooth.
Dental implants offer a highly effective alternative to dentures that may not fit well or be comfortable to wear long-term. They are also suitable for patients lacking natural tooth roots that don’t allow for building bridgework or denture tooth replacements.
Advantages of Dental Implants for Replacing Missing Teeth
Choosing dental implants over alternative restorative options for missing teeth has many benefits, starting with longevity. Unlike alternative restorative options, such as bridgework and dentures, implants offer a permanent solution to missing teeth.
Implants also mimic the natural tooth structure, allowing you to chew, eat, and speak normally and without discomfort. Replacing missing teeth with artificial crowns can also improve your oral health. Filling in these gaps in your mouth can positively impact adjacent teeth and your overall oral hygiene.
It can also prevent bone loss and preserve jawbone integrity.
Getting dental implants can also help you smile confidently again. Implants create a natural appearance as they seamlessly integrate with your existing teeth. This can boost your self-esteem and positively affect many components of your life, such as your relationships, work, and self-image.
The Dental Implant Procedure
Exactly how dental implant surgery is performed depends on various factors, such as the number of teeth that need replacing, the location of the missing teeth, and the overall condition and stability of the jawbone. It’s important to remember that while implants offer solid support for artificial teeth, allowing them to fuse with the bone takes several months.
If the jawbone is too soft or not thick enough, bone grafting may be necessary before dental implant surgery. Various bone graft materials can be used to rebuild the jawbone, including synthetic bone grafts or grafts from another location on your body.
The gum is cut to expose the underlying bone during the implant procedure. Holes are then drilled directly into the bone, and the metal post is placed deep. After placing the implant, the osseointegration process begins.
After osseointegration is complete, the abutment is attached by reopening the gum and attaching it directly to the implant. The gum tissue is then re-secured around the abutment but not over it. Sometimes, the abutment can be attached when the post is implanted to avoid additional surgery.
Once the abutment has been placed, you must allow your gums to heal for a couple of weeks. Once healed, a crown is made using impressions of your mouth and natural teeth. You and your Melbourne, FL, dentist can choose a fixed or removable artificial tooth.
It’s normal to experience mild discomfort and other symptoms after the procedure, such as minor bleeding, bruising of the gums and skin, and swelling of the face and gums. Be sure to follow any aftercare instructions provided by your provider to help ensure a smooth recovery.
Schedule an Evaluation with Our Melbourne, Florida Dentist
If you believe dental implants are right for you, we can help! Contact our team at Artistic Touch Dentistry to learn more about the dental implant process or to schedule an evaluation with our dentist in Melbourne, FL.