Dental implants are oral prosthetics that are highly recommended by dentists when it comes to replacing missing teeth. Implants serve as artificial teeth roots that are surgically inserted into your jawbone. It takes over the role of the root that falls out when a tooth comes off, passing bite forces into the jawbone so it gets the stimulation it needs. Dental implants fuse with bone tissues around them through osseointegration, making them as stable as real tooth roots.
Thinking about replacing one or more of your missing teeth with implants? Here are the answers to some questions you might have:
Unfortunately, not all patients are eligible for implants. Inserting an implant into a patient's jawbone involves surgical procedures, like making an incision into the patient's jaw and drilling a hole into bone tissues.
Such procedures require patients to be healthy enough to recover afterward. Patients with health conditions like immune system disorders or diabetes might not be eligible for implants because they might have a harder time recovering. The same can be said about people who smoke or consume alcohol regularly.
Implants can be installed by any dentist who has been trained for the procedure, but it is best left in the hands of oral professionals who have additional training in performing dental surgeries like oral surgeons or periodontists. These professionals have a better understanding of the mouth and facial structures, often leading to a better experience for patients.
A local anesthetic is injected into the area being worked on, so patients do not feel pain during their treatment. They only feel the periodontist applying pressure as they perform the procedure. Patients might experience pain and discomfort afterward when the anesthetic wears off. This can be managed with prescription or over-the-counter painkillers. The worst of it should be over within a few days.
The standard way of getting dental implants can take up to six months. This is about the time it takes for bone tissues around the implant to fuse with it. The process is called osseointegration, and restorations are typically attached to implants after it has been completed.
There are exceptions to this, though. Special types of implants such as same-day-implants are fitted with restorations the same day that they are inserted into the jaw. It is then up to the patient to avoid dislodging the implant as they wait for the process of osseointegration to be completed.
Like with any surgical procedure, there are some risks involved with getting dental implants. The most common complication is an infection at the site of surgery. This can be treated with antibiotics. Other risks include nerve damage (which can lead to numb lips and gums), sinus problems if the implant protrudes into one of the sinus cavities, and damage to nearby teeth.
The next best thing to implants are dental bridges. Bridges are false teeth that are held in place by being attached to the healthy teeth on either side of the gap left by the missing tooth. Bridges are not as durable as implants; they must be replaced every five to seven years. They are also not suitable for everyone. The health of the surrounding teeth must be good enough to support the bridge, and there must be enough space between those teeth.
Brushing and flossing regularly is key to keeping your implants clean and free of bacteria. You should also visit a dentist twice a year for checkups and cleanings. Like natural teeth, plaque and tartar can build up around implants, leading to gum disease.
It depends on the dental insurance company and the type of policy you have. Some companies consider implants a cosmetic procedure and will not cover the cost. Others might cover a portion of the cost. It is best to check with your insurance provider to see if they offer any coverage for implants.
Dental implants look and feel just like real teeth and do not require specialized maintenance. It is easy to forget that you have an artificial tooth when you choose implants. Contact our dental clinic today to learn more about these oral restorations.
Request an appointment here: https://arroyogrande.centralcoastoms.com or call Wilson Oral Surgery at (805) 476-2567 for an appointment in our Arroyo Grande office.
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