Dental implants are a more permanent replacement for missing teeth than dentures. The implant is a titanium screw that integrates with your jawbone.
Implants are a more natural-looking solution than other tooth replacement methods, and they improve your oral health in many ways. This is why they are considered to be the best option for replacing missing teeth.
Procedure
Dental implants are a natural-looking, long-lasting alternative to dentures and bridgework. They can be used to replace a single tooth or several teeth.
They are made from titanium and integrate into the jawbone, making them a very strong replacement for the missing tooth root. The implant won’t slip, make noise or cause bone damage like regular bridgework and can be more comfortable than fixed dentures.
During surgery to place the implant, an oral surgeon makes a cut to open the gum and expose the bone underneath. Holes are then drilled into the bone where the metal post will be placed.
The post is then screwed into place and the gum tissue is then sutured to cover the implant. This is done to avoid food getting stuck around the metal post. The procedure is usually completed in one appointment and can be done under local anesthesia or IV sedation.
Materials
Dental implants are made from special materials that help create a stable, realistic-looking, and long-lasting replacement for your teeth. These implant materials also keep your jawbone healthy and ensure that your smile is as natural as possible.
Traditionally, dental implants were made from titanium and titanium alloys but with advances in technology and research, several other options are now available. Choosing the best material for your dental implant depends on several factors, including your specific requirements and preferences.
Titanium – The most common material for dental implants, titanium is a highly biocompatible metal that will naturally bond with your bone tissue. This process is called osseointegration and helps to permanently lock the implant in place within your jawbone.
Zirconia – Another popular dental implant material, zirconia is a strong ceramic that can be colored to match your teeth. It can be used for both single-piece and two-piece implants.
Having an adequate amount of bone to support the implant is important, so you may need a bone graft before your surgery. This can be a natural bone graft from your jawbone or a synthetic one made from a bone-substitute material.
Side Effects
Dental implants are the most durable and natural-looking option for replacing missing teeth. They also offer better health and longevity than dentures or bridgework.
The oral surgery to place a dental implant may result in some side effects, so it is important for patients to be aware of what they can expect before the procedure. The following are common side effects that patients experience:
Swelling and bruising: It is normal to notice swelling at the treatment site. This will subside with time. Ice packs and cold compresses will help ease this inflammation and reduce bruising.
Pain: Depending on the number of dental implants that were placed, you may experience some discomfort after the surgery. Medications such as ibuprofen will help alleviate this pain.
* Infection: An infection can develop after a dental implant surgery in rare cases. This usually occurs if patients fail to follow post-operative instructions or take antibiotics as prescribed.
Fortunately, many patients don’t experience any major side effects after Tooth Implant Toongabbie. However, it is important to report any unusual side effects to Dr. Abide so he can be aware of them and treat them before they become serious.
Recovery
Dental implants are replacement teeth that look and feel like natural teeth. They can replace single, multiple or even all of your teeth and allow you to speak, smile, eat and enjoy life with confidence.
However, dental implants aren’t a quick fix. They take time to integrate with the jaw bone in a process called osseointegration.
This process takes anywhere from eight weeks to nine months, depending on your health and risk factors. In addition, the location of the implant (lower versus upper jawbone), as well as any bone grafting that you may have undergone prior to getting your implants placed all play a role.
Your dentist will give you detailed instructions for a successful recovery, including eating soft foods, taking pain relief medications and avoiding brushing the implant site directly. You’ll also likely experience mild swelling and bruising at the surgical site, but these symptoms should disappear after a few days.