Things you should know before Dental Implant

Implants are just not for aesthetic purposes!

Missing teeth can hinder your functions of chewing, speaking…and smiling, of course.

Conscious people may feel embarrassed with a gap formed in their mouths. The other half may just not care about it.

But implants do much more than giving you back your smile. Over a period of time, if no actions are taken to fill the gap of a missing tooth, then consequences such as bone loss, mal-aligned teeth, oral hygiene issues, problems in jaw bone may occur.

Dental implants are the permanent solution to your everyday woes.

So are you prepared to smile openly again with the help of implants?

Implant treatment is a better alternative to dentures or bridges. But, are you a perfect candidate for implant treatment?

Before getting a dental implant, there are a few things that you should make yourself aware of.

Should you consider dental implants?

Of course, dental implants are the closest resemblance that you can find for your natural teeth. They look, function, and even feel like your own tooth and not any artificially placed crown. A few other benefits of it are;

The best replacement for missing teeth is to go for dental implants. Did you know implants have a failure rate of only 2%? Its alternatives, dentures, and bridges, on the other hand, have a failure rate of 20%.
You are free from the endless hassles of wearing and removing a denture.
If your tooth root does not support the bridgework, then implants are a perfect option.
It helps to improve speech, smile, and chew the food.

How to know if you are an appropriate candidate for a dental implant?

Based on the condition of your oral cavity, gums, and bone structure, the dental surgeon will evaluate if you qualify for an implant.

To be an apt candidate, you need to have a full-grown jaw bone and adequate bone structure. This is a necessity as your implant needs to fuse to your jawbone. This will prevent the implant from slipping away or making any noise.

But you can keep your worries aside; this concern is not for you to linger upon. A dental surgeon will make sure that an implant is your correct choice of the treatment plan by evaluating not only your oral health but your complete systemic health too.

The next step-

So you are prepared to go for an implant surgery now. But, do you know what’s the procedure like?

The first step involves the placing of the implant. It is done by preparing the jawbone. The surgeon will deeply drill holes in the jawbone to fit the implant.. Just like the tooth root. Over it, a temporary crown is placed to fill up the gap.
Healing is the second stage. This period may vary from 3-6 months depending upon your bone health. During this time, the bone grows and unites with the dental implant. This process is called osseointegration, and it’s essential as this offers a solid base for the artificial tooth.
A second surgery is planned after the complete healing. This is a relatively less extensive surgery. Your dentist will take an x-ray and determine if you are ready for the second surgery.
Placement of abutment( the part where the crown is attached) is done. After securing the abutment to the dental implant, there is a waiting period of 4-6 weeks to allow the gums to heal. During this time, a temporary crown is put for proper functioning. However, this crown is made of soft material to not obstruct the healing process.
The next stage involves the placement of a permanent crown. This is only done after the patient has gone through complete recovery and the jawbone is strong enough to cement or screw the crown to the implant.

The idea to reflect upon the procedure is to make you aware that dental implants are done with a lot of caution. Both the surgical and the prosthesis procedures are done by highly skilled and competent surgeons. And if you are worried about any dental implant pain, then they aren’t any!

Modern dentistry advancements and skills have even made procedures like dental implants entirely pain-free and comfortable. If you still dread choosing an implant surgery, then remember its advantages and talk to your dentist.

Aftercare and healing-

What can you expect after the surgery?

It is normal to have a small amount of bleeding after the surgery. If the bleeding is more, then bite on a cotton or gauze pad for 30 minutes. In case the bleeding becomes unstoppable, seek the help of your dentist.
Swelling is another common citing. Applying ice to the area may give you some relief.
Exercise or any heavy work may result in bleeding. Abstain from any such activities.
Take your prescribed analgesics in case of pain.
Maintaining oral hygiene will help in fast healing. Also, remember to avoid tobacco products at this time.

An authentic, long-lasting implant depends upon its aftercare. Take care of your implant as it can last you over 25 years without any trouble. A few post-care points are;

The foremost priority is to maintain good oral hygiene.
Opt for a soft bristle brush.
Do not skip your flossing routine.
Gently brush your teeth without applying much pressure to avoid abrasion.
Mouth rinses are essential to keep the bacteria at bay.
Take care of what you eat! Implants being artificial attract more bacteria, so make sure to stay away from sticky and sugary food items.

Frequent check-ups are a must!

A dental implant is a whole process on its own. From its evaluation to surgery and post-operative care, awareness has to be maintained at every step. A ritual that you cannot miss is your dental visits. This will keep your implants free of complications and healthy. So trust the process and trust your dentist!

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