Dental Implants: Are They Right for you
If you are missing one or more teeth and would like to restore your ability to smile, speak and eat with comfort and confidence, then dental implants may be right for you.
Perhaps your dentures don t fit as securely or comfortably as they once did. Perhaps you hide your smile because of spaces from missing teeth or you have loose teeth that need to be stabilized after treatment of advanced gum disease. If any of these situations keep you from feeling good about yourself and your smile, dental implants may be a solution for you. Technological advancements in dental materials and techniques have improved the success rate of implants, enabling many patients to enjoy comfort and confidence in their oral health
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are artificial substitutes for natural tooth roots. The implants-small anchors shaped like screws, cylinders or blades-are placed into the jawbone. Replacement teeth are attached to the part of the implant that projects through the gums.
What do dental implants do? Dental implants can provide non-removable tooth replacement in the toothless jaw. Dental implants can provide support for a full denture, making it more secure and comfortable. Dental implants can also assist in the replacement of a single tooth without the need to alter adjacent natural teeth
Would I benefit from a dental implant?
Although dental implants have brought a comfortable, confident smile to many patients, they are not for everyone. The ideal candidate has good general health, good oral health and adequate bone in the jaw to support the implant. Equally important, the ideal candidate is willing to commit to conscientious oral hygiene and regular dental visits. Your dentist can help you decide if a dental implant is right for you. Essential to the decision is a comprehensive dental examination. The dentist will review your medical and dental history; thoroughly examine your oral tissues and supporting bone in the jaw, and check the way your teeth fit together when you bite. X-rays and models will be taken and analysed, perhaps with the help of a computer. After this careful examination, your dentist will talk with you about dental implant options. You should discuss the benefits, risks and possible alternative treatments.
What are the advantages of dental implants?
Dental implants can support replacement teeth in much the same way as tooth roots support natural teeth. Dental implants provide an alternative to a denture that wobbles clicks or causes pain. Dental implants can also prevent embarrassment about spaces from missing teeth. Instead, you can enjoy your favourite foods again You can smile and speak with confidence.
When tested dental implant systems are placed by trained dentists, they can have a success rate of over 90 percent In fact, with effective oral care at home and regular dental visits, dental implants have lasted as long as 20 years and may last a lifetime.
What are the disadvantages?
A dental implant requires a greater financial investment than a removable bridge or conventional denture. On the other hand, an implant can offer advantages in terms of comfort and appearance-benefits that many patients find well worth the cost
A dental implant also requires an investment in time, perhaps three to nine months from start to finish. If you consider that implants have lasted as long as 20 years and can last a lifetime, the investment in time is quite reasonable.
As with any surgical procedure, dental implants involve a risk of infection. Occasionally, an implant may loosen and require replacement. Because each person is unique, implant success cannot be guaranteed.
What is the treatment like?
The treatment will vary depending upon the type of implant and the health of the patient. For example, many patients can receive implant treatment in the dental office. A brief hospital stay may be necessary for other patients. A local and/or general anaesthetic will be used to help ensure patient comfort during the treatment
The first step is placing the implants into the jawbone. After this surgical treatment, the bone in the jaw attaches to the implants, holding them firmly in place. The attachment of bone to the implant usually takes three to six months.
Second, small metal posts or cylinders are attached to the implant, projecting through the gums. After this second surgical treatment, the gums take several weeks to heal.
Third, replacement teeth are created and securely attached to the small metal posts or cylinders. Several fittings of the new teeth may be needed.
After treatment is completed, brushing, flossing and visiting your dentist regularly are essential to the success of the dental implant.
SURGERY TO PLACE IMPLANTS
Surgery is used to place implants in your jawbone. Ultimately successful dental implants depend on the jawbone fusingwlfefcm.net implant (a process called osseointegration). You can help this process along by keeping your gums and teeth especially clean over the next few months.
Preparing for Surgery
Most implant surgeries are performed in a dental office. To prepare for surgery, follow your surgeon’s instructions. Also:
- Tell your surgeon if you’re taking any medications or herbal remedies.
- Wear comfortable clothes to the office.
- Take antibiotics if prescribed.
- If you will be sedated or asleep (under general anaesthesia) during the surgery, arrange for an adult to give you a ride home. Also, don’t eat or drink for several hours before surgery
Upon arriving, you may be asked to rinse your mouth with an antiseptic. You may also be given medication to help you relax or to make you sleepy. Right before surgery, the jaw is numbed. Then the jawbone is prepared so the implants can be placed. If you’re awake, you may hear sounds or feel vibrations. But you shouldn’t feel any pain. The length of the surgery depends on how many implants are placed.
After Surgery
When your surgery is over, you may rest a while. But you can go home as soon as you feel able. Be aware that a certain amount of swelling and minor bleeding is normal. To speed your recovery be sure to follow your surgeon’s instructions. You may be told to:
- Drink only clear liquids for the rest of the day.
- Take pain medications and antibiotics.
- Avoid putting pressure on your jaw.
- Eat soft foods for the first few days as your mouth begins to heal.
- Avoid wearing your temporary prosthesis or denture for a certain amount of time.
Follow-up Care
It often takes a few months for jawbone to firmly attach to implants. During that time, you’ll have several follow-up visits with your surgeon. This is to see how well your jaw is healing. If you wear a denture, you may also visit your restorative dentist. He or she may put a new lining in your denture for greater comfort.
Taking Care of Your Mouth
Much of the healing process depends on keeping your teeth and gums clean. If you don’t take care of your mouth, you may get an infection. This could cause implants to fail. For best results:
- Use a soft toothbrush to clean your teeth and gums after every meal.
- Clean the areas near your incisions. But do not brush the incisions themselves.
- Use an antiseptic rinse if prescribed.
Abutments are connecting pieces that join the prosthesis to the implants. They also help gum tissue heal around the implant. In certain cases, abutments may be placed at the same time as implants. More often, though, surgery to place abutments is done after the jawbone has fused to the implants. This second surgery usually takes less time than the first.
Healing Abutments and Final Abutments. Depending on your dental needs, two kinds of abutments may be used. Healing abutments (also called healing cuffs) help gum tissue heal around the implant site. Once the gum has healed, final abutments are placed so the prosthesis can be joined with the implant.
After Abutments are placed
It usually takes 4 to 6 weeks for gums to heal around the abutments. During that time, follow your surgeon’s advice about what kinds of food to eat. You will also be given instructions for cleaning around the abutments. Proper cleaning prevents infection and promotes healing.
MAKING YOUR PROSTHESIS
When your gums have healed around the abutments, your restorative dentist will begin making your permanent prosthesis. Several office visits may be needed to make a precise model of your mouth. Then it may take a few weeks, or even months, to build your prosthesis.
A Custom Fit
To custom-fit the prosthesis, your restorative dentist will make impressions (molds) of your jaws, teeth, and abutments. Bite registrations are also made to see how your teeth fit together. These molds are used to create a model of your mouth. Your new prosthesis is then made from this model.
Fitting Your Prosthesis
Once the prosthesis is ready, you’ll have several fittings to see how it feels in your mouth. With a fixed prosthesis, this process may take a little longer. After any needed adjustments are made, the prosthesis is attached to the abutments. You may be told not to eat hard or crunchy foods for a few weeks after the prosthesis is attached