Ready to restore your smile and confidence with a strong, reliable, long-term tooth replacement? If so, dental implants could be the perfect solution for you. But what exactly are they, and how do they work? Let’s delve into this durable tooth replacement option and see why it just might be a life-changing experience for you.
What is a dental implant?
Dental implants are artificial teeth made of titanium, designed to permanently bond with your jawbone and provide a stable base for replacement teeth that are tailor-made to match your bite and the shade of your natural teeth. With proper care and maintenance, they can last a very long time.
What are the various types of tooth implants?
The most common types of tooth implants are:
Endosteal implants – These implants are implanted into the bone. A support structure – a specialised screw or cylinder – is placed into the jaw bone and fuses with it. Endosteal implants are a common way to replace one or more teeth as long as there is strong bone support in the jaw.
Subperiosteal implants – If you have little bone to support the dental implants, then subperiosteal implants may be your perfect solution. This type of dental restoration utilises a custom-made metal frame that is placed directly over the jawbone and beneath the gum line. The posts on this framework allow for the secure attachment of prosthetics such as crowns, bridges or dentures.
How is the dental implant procedure done?
To construct a successful and long-lasting dental implant, there are three essential steps that need to be taken. Let’s delve deeper into each one for further understanding.
Consultation and planning
When you book a consultation with your dentist, they will carefully assess your teeth and mouth to determine if dental implants are the right choice for you. Your doctor may ask questions about your medical history in order to create the best plan of action; this is all so that we can work towards achieving your desired results from the implant treatment.
During your initial dental implant consultation, a thorough examination of your teeth and gums will be conducted. Additionally, X-rays and 3D scans will be taken to determine the optimal spot for placement.
Dental implant surgery
Dental implant surgery is a straightforward procedure that requires only local anaesthesia in your dentist’s office and takes 1-2 hours per implant site. During the process, titanium dental implants are carefully inserted into the jawbone under the gum.
One of the most important aspects of dental implant restoration is osseointegration, a process that enables implants to bond with the jawbone. In just some months, your new artificial tooth root will be firmly attached to the jawbone by this important technique.
Attaching the replacement tooth
Once your implant has integrated fully and the site of the abutment placement has healed, you will need to visit your dentist’s office, where your artificial tooth will be securely attached in about an hour. You won’t feel any pain because the entire procedure is done under anaesthesia.
Am I suitable for dental implants?
To help you attain the beautiful smile of your dreams with implant technology, here are some essential prerequisites for you to consider.
1. Avoid chewing tobacco or smoking
If you don’t smoke or consume chewing tobacco and want to get dental implants, you will be the ideal candidate for successful implantation. Unfortunately, though, smokers have a higher risk of their implants failing due to the chemicals in both cigarettes and chewable tobacco, which impedes proper healing. Smokers are still able to qualify for dental implants if they put an immediate stop to smoking before, during and after the process has been finished, thus enhancing their chances of success. If quitting is difficult but desired, by all means, talk with your dentist about resources that can help you break free from nicotine addiction once-and-for-all
2. You should have good bone density in your jaw
Before getting dental implants, it is essential to consider the density of your jawbone. The success of an implant relies on its ability to attach securely and firmly within your mouth—thus needing sufficient structural support from surrounding bone tissue. If this isn’t achievable, then unfortunately, you may not be suitable for a dental implant procedure.
If you’re worried that your jawbone isn’t thick enough to sustain them, then a bone graft is a perfect solution for you. This process involves adding natural or artificial material to where your tooth used to be located and augmenting the existing bone mass until it can reliably support an implant. After some time has passed and your jawbone has had an adequate opportunity to heal itself, there should no longer be any hindrances when getting implants.
3. You should be in good dental health
If you desire dental implants, your oral health must be exemplary. To ensure that your implant surgery is successful, it’s essential that there are no signs of tooth decay or gum disease on any part of the smile. Nonetheless, in addition to this qualification from a dentist, they will also consider any other medical issues which may interfere with the procedure. If tooth decay and/or gum disease has previously been diagnosed but does not impede upon getting dental implants, then don’t worry; these underlying problems can typically be resolved before beginning treatment. Furthermore, for you to get started on the road towards obtaining dental implants, it is necessary to have both healthy teeth and adequate jawbone density approved by an experienced dentist.
How to care for tooth implants?
Use sensitive cleaning products
To maintain your dental implants, it is best to opt for gentle cleaning products. Harsh or abrasive items can be extremely painful and should be avoided at all costs. Additionally, try avoiding oral hygiene solutions with strong flavours like cinnamon or mint — they may lead to an unpleasant sensation in your mouth.
Floss regularly
Keeping your dental implants healthy is easy – all you need to do is floss regularly. With a variety of specialised cleaning supplies for your implant sites, plaque buildup won’t stand a chance.
Don’t eat sticky and hard foods
After receiving dental implants, it’s important to avoid eating sticky or hard foods that could harm them and the teeth adjacent to them. Try steering clear of dried fruits, chips, caramels, candies with a tough texture, and crunchy bread for optimal safety.
Use a soft-bristled nylon brush
If you have received new dental implants, it is important to switch your toothbrush for a softer-bristled one.
Nylon toothbrushes are ideal as the bristles are more pliable and gentle around sensitive areas. It’s wise to only brush twice daily with these types of brushes in order to avoid any unnecessary damage or irritation; furthermore, metal objects should be avoided when cleaning your mouth entirely.
Schedule regular dental visits
Dental implants are a great way to restore your smile and make it brighter. However, they can’t replace regular dental visits. It would be best to book a dental appointment every six months, depending on the status of your oral health. If you take proper care of them and visit the dentist regularly, then these implants may last for many years.
What are the advantages of dental implants?
1. Dental implants enable you to eat and speak normally
If you have missing teeth, speaking and eating can become difficult. This happens because the teeth no longer fit together correctly when you open or close your mouth to make certain sounds or bite down. Thankfully, dental implants provide a solution; they act as natural teeth so that you are able to speak and eat with ease once again.
2. Dental implants prevent your other teeth from moving
When you have a missing tooth, the surrounding teeth can begin to shift, affecting your smile and how well you chew. If your surrounding teeth move, it will become more difficult to place dental implants in the future. Dental implants not only improve your smile but also stop the healthy teeth around it from shifting.
3. Dental implants provide a natural look
Dental implants are artfully crafted to emulate the look of your natural teeth in both hue and shape, making it virtually undetectable that you have had any dental work done.
4. Dental implants do not require special care
Dental implants require the same care as normal teeth – just practice the same daily brushing and flossing routine that you would. No need to purchase any special products either.
5. Dental implants are immune to cavities
Dental implants are made from non-organic materials, meaning that tooth decay cannot harm them in any way. Unlike living teeth which can lose blood flow or erode enamel due to trapped food, dental implants consist of only metal, resin, porcelain and plastic – making them completely immune to tooth decay.
6. Dental implants are long-lasting
With the right maintenance, tooth implants can remain a part of your oral hygiene regimen for life – making them an excellent choice when it comes to long-term dental health.
Can you eat right away after the tooth implant surgery?
Following any dental surgery, it is usually acceptable to eat as long as you are consuming only liquids. Since your mouth and gums may be particularly delicate after the procedure, minimise bothersomeness by sticking with liquid foods. Staying hydrated is essential; however, use a straw while drinking in order to avoid irritation of your surgical sites.
To maximise your post-operative success, it’s best to prepare liquid meals prior to surgery or delegate the task of making them for you while you heal. Consuming only liquids for a duration of 24 – 48 hours after your procedure is an essential element in recovery.
After the surgical procedure, it is advisable that you consume soft foods and steer away from chewing whenever possible for a few weeks. Here are some excellent nourishing options that don’t require any chewing – so not only are they easy to swallow but also packed with essential vitamins and minerals which will help you heal faster.
- Cottage cheese
- Cooked vegetables
- Pureed meats
- Mashed sweet potatoes
- Oatmeal
- Fruit milkshakes
- Smoothies
Get quality dental implants at My Local Dentists
Take back your dazzling smile with the help of dental implants! With My Local Dentists, you can enjoy high-quality and cost-effective implant solutions that will restore your teeth in no time. Whether it’s a full set or just one tooth, our specialists are here to create an individualised plan tailored specifically for you. Don’t let missing teeth rob you of enjoying life – get dental implants today.
Call us now to book your consultation.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
Everything to Know About a Dental Implant Procedure
https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/dental-implant-procedure
Dental Implants
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-implants