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Dental Implants 101: Here’s Everything You Need to Know

Posted Jan 1st, 2020 in Dental Tips

Dental Implants 101: Here’s Everything You Need to Know

If you have a gap, missing tooth or damaged teeth, you might want to consider opting in for dental implants. This dental procedure will boost your confidence and will improve oral health by replacing your teeth. With the evolution of the dental industry, it is now easier to find a suitable solution for every patients health needs. Here is all you need to know about dental implants.

What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are made from titanium metal, which is an artificial root that is inserted in the jawbone. The replacement tooth attaches to the implant and acts as an anchor, providing stability to prevent further tooth loss. Missing teeth can cause a variety of oral health problems that can be reversible if they are not treated. Dental implants are a permanent solution, which is a great option for those who want to have natural looking teeth without the hassle of dentures. It will also improve your oral health by preventing jawbone shrinkage. Even though dental implants are a long-term solution, they can be refitted and replaced. If you maintain proper care of them, they will last you a lifetime.

What Makes Me A Good Candidate?
If you don’t have serious health problems, if your gums are healthy and your jaw structure is strong enough to hold an implant, you might be able to get dental implants. Talking to your dental provider about what is the most suitable option is important to ensure that you are receiving the proper treatment. After teeth loss, it is normal to see jawbone shrinkage, but when it has shrunk too much, or jawbone structure has an abnormal development, you might want to consider getting a bone graft. The graft builds new jawbones giving you the necessities to be eligible to receive dental implants.

How Is This Procedure Done?
Your dental provider will perform x-rays of your head, jaw and teeth to ensure that dental implants are right for you. Once your dental provider has given you the thumbs-up, you may want to know exactly how this procedure will be done to ease your stress.

There are two stages of surgery that your dental specialist will perform. During the first stage, the dental implant will be inserted into your jawbone, which is just beneath the gum tissue, which is then stitched back into place. Once the gum tissue starts to heal (this might take several months), you will start to notice the bone and the gum will bond. Once the tissue is healed, it is time to start the second stage of surgery. An abutment will be attached to the implant, and this is what supports the tooth to the implant. Depending on the number of teeth you are replacing, a bridge might be used to act as a replacement for an area that has no teeth.

What Happens After The Procedure?
This procedure truly does enhance comfort and will give you back your smile. You will need to visit your dentist for a follow-up appointment after the second stage of the procedure to make sure that the healing process is going accordingly. Once the tooth is healed, a cap is placed over the implant before the gum is stitched. Dental implants resemble and function like natural teeth. This means that your regular oral health routine needs to be maintained: using floss, rigorously brushing and going for regular dental check-ups are key. Make sure that you are confident in proper cleaning techniques so that your dental implants can last you a lifetime.

Start smiling confidently and improve your oral health with dental implants. Contact us at Dentistry At The Crossing today, our team of experts will give you expert advice and solutions on all of your dental needs.

(613) 225-7000