What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are basically teeth replacements that look, feel, and function like natural, healthy teeth. Ideal for patients with one or more missing teeth, dental implant procedure involves oral surgery performed by an oral surgeon.
The entire dental implant process involves three parts, the actual tooth implant, the abutment, and the crown. The tooth implant is essentially a permanent titanium artificial tooth root that is fixed into the jawbone that will eventually fuse to your natural bone to serve as an effective anchor. A connector post, called an abutment, is then attached to hold the new tooth. Finally, a dental crown that has the appearance of a natural tooth is capped in place to complete your brand-new smile!
Types of Dental Implants
For patients who are missing all or most of their upper and/or lower teeth, full mouth dental implants can restore your ability to bite and chew, allow you to speak more naturally, and bring back a more confident smile. This procedure normally involves securing four tooth implants, to which a full set of artificial teeth is attached.
Many patients who have experienced problems with their full or partial dentures opt for full mouth dental implants as they are more secure, permanent, and help aid in the prevention of bone loss.
If you are missing several consecutive teeth but have healthy teeth and gums surrounding the gap, you may be a candidate for multiple teeth implants. This procedure involves the placement of two implants that are then capped and linked with dental crowns, much like the dental bridge procedure.
Some patients opt for multiple teeth implants over the simpler dental bridge procedure as it provides greater strength, minimizes damage to surrounding natural teeth, and helps aid in the prevention of bone loss.
Single Tooth Implant
As its name suggests, the single tooth implant is an ideal replacement for a single missing tooth. Patients may lose a single tooth due to tooth decay and periodontitis, or it may have been severely damaged or knocked out as a result of an accident or trauma.
As with all cases, the priority will be to save and restore the tooth wherever possible. However, in the case of irreparable damage or complete loss of a tooth, a single tooth implant will restore full function and aesthetics, and prevent bone loss and shifting of other healthy teeth.
What to Expect for My Dental Implant Process
The first step to any dental procedure is evaluation and consultation, and even more so for such a specialized oral surgery procedure! The exam may consist of taking X-rays and/or CT scans to determine the condition of your remaining teeth, gums, and jawbone. You will also need to discuss your medical history with your dental specialist team to ensure suitability for oral surgery. Depending on the results, you may require tooth extraction and/or bone grafting prior to the dental implant procedure.
Once you and your dental specialist have decided it is best to move forward with dental implant surgery and have formulated a treatment plan, the procedure can begin. You can expect to require multiple appointments over several months to allow for healing in between steps.
After you have healed from any tooth extractions or bone grafts, the first part of the dental implant procedure can take place, usually under IV sedation or local anesthetic. Your oral surgeon will cut open the gum to expose the bone, to which holes are drilled and the titanium tooth implant placed. The implant will then begin the process of fusing to the bone, in a process known as osseointegration, which can take between 12-16 weeks.
Once fusing is complete, the abutment is attached to the dental implant, normally under local anesthesia. After another 2-week healing period, impressions of the gum can be taken, from which your dental crown will be fabricated.
The dental implant procedure involves complex oral surgery and should always be performed by a skilled oral surgeon. At Orchid Dental, we collaborate with highly experienced oral surgery clinics in Aurora CO to bring our patients the highest quality care.
Contact our dental office today for a consultation if you believe you are a candidate for dental implants!
Advantages of Dental Implants
There are multiple types of teeth replacements for patients who are missing one or more teeth including dental bridges, dentures, and dental implants. Of these, the dental implant is the only one that involves an invasive oral surgery procedure and is also has the highest upfront cost. So, why choose dental implants?
While dentures are a fantastic prosthodontic that serves many of our patients well, some patients report ongoing discomfort. Since they are removable, they can also slip out if not clipped to any existing teeth. Dental implants may be a good alternative for patients who have not found success with dentures.
Implants are also permanent, which means they can last a lifetime with proper care. Ultimately, the long-term cost of maintaining, adjusting, and replacing dentures and dental bridges can surpass the single up-front cost of implants. Plus, implants look, feel, and function just like regular teeth, which is not the case with dentures and bridges. Finally, teeth implants are the only choice that prevents jawbone deterioration due to tooth loss that can lead to sagging and distortion of facial structures.
FAQs on Dental Implants
Who is a candidate for a tooth implant?
Most adults with good enough general and oral health for a minor dental procedure can be a candidate for teeth implants. If you suffer from diabetes or gum disease, or if there is not enough bone in your jaw to fuse with the implant, you may not be a viable candidate. Also, heavy smoking disrupts the fusing process so this is an activity that may eliminate you from receiving dental implant surgery. Your dental specialist will make a thorough evaluation to determine viability before starting the process.
What does dental implant recovery look like?
During the initial recovery phases, you may experience swelling and/or bruising of your gums and face, some pain, and minor bleeding. These are quite normal and can usually be managed with pain medications and antibiotics. Since there are two stages of actual oral surgery, the implant stage and the abutment stage, there are normally also two separate recovery periods. The second abutment stage is less invasive and usually results in a quicker recovery process.
Recovery time varies for every individually based on age, health, lifestyle, and jaw condition. Full recovery involving the complete integration of tooth implant to bone will take 3-6 months, however any pain or discomfort should subside sooner. If swelling, bruising, pain, or bleeding do not subside or if they become worse, contact your dental specialist as this may be an indication of infection.
How do I care for my teeth implants?
During the recovery periods, stick with soft foods and avoid smoking at all costs. Be gentle with your brushing and allow yourself time to rest and recover, remembering that you have just had surgery!
Once you have healed, it is key to continue to practice good daily oral hygiene such as brushing, flossing, and rinsing with antibacterial mouthwash. It will be more important than ever to see your dentist regularly for checkups and teeth cleaning to ensure your teeth implants are well maintained.
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Looking to get dental implants in Aurora CO? Contact our dental office for a consultation today!
