Tooth loss can cause significant problems, affecting your ability to chew and speak properly, putting adjacent teeth at increased risk of damage, decay, or loss, and, of course, altering your appearance and negatively impacting your self-confidence. If you’re interested in dental implants, you may be confused about your options or what dental implants would be right for you. Here’s what to know before getting dental implants.
1. What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are permanent dental appliances consisting of a post or screw implanted into the jaw bone and a replacement tooth or teeth affixed permanently and securely to it. These teeth are permanent, do not need to be removed, and will last as long as your natural teeth if you practice proper oral hygiene.
2. How to Prepare for Dental Implant Surgery
Your dentist will be able to assist you in preparing for dental implant surgery by thoroughly examining your mouth and determining the best type of implant for you. Some people with bone loss or poor bone density may require additional steps like bone grafts for proper support of the implants, but you will be advised of these considerations at the time of your consultation.
3. Does Dental Implant Surgery Hurt?
No. Getting dental implants is no more painful than any other dental procedure and will be performed after you have been administered the appropriate amount of anesthesia to ensure the operation is painless. There may be some swelling or minor discomfort after the procedure, but commonly available store-bought pain relievers are all you will need.
4. Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants provide significant benefits for single or multiple tooth replacement.etting dental implants could even improve the quality of life for those wearing a complete set of dentures. Here are some of the great things dental implants can do for you.
Keeps Your Jaws Healthy
Because a dental implant is affixed to a post implanted into the jaw, it mimics the roots of a natural tooth. This ensures there is no void or space in the jaw, which helps guard against bone loss and receding gums, which are both common problems faced by denture wearers.
Provides Greater Function
Dental implants provide superior stability and chewing strength when compared to traditional dentures. Traditional dentures only restore about 20–25% of your original chewing function, and many foods can be challenging to eat with them. Dental implants restore about 90% of your chewing function and allow you to enjoy a fuller range of foods.
Looks Like a Natural Tooth
Dental implants can be tinted to match existing teeth if they serve as a crown or bridge dental appliance. Once healed and completely installed, the dental implant will be indistinguishable from the natural teeth around it. For those getting full dental implants, a range of colours and brightnesses is available to make your new smile look precisely how you would like it to.
Provides Stability for Restorations
The post part of a dental implant is securely rooted in your jaw and provides considerable structural stability. This stability can be used to anchor traditional full or partial dentures more securely and prevent them from sliding or moving during function.
Offers a Long-Term Solution to Tooth Loss
By simply following recommended oral hygiene, you can keep your dental implants in perfect working order for a lifetime. Other options for the replacement of missing teeth generally need to be replaced every five or 10 years and may require additional care or maintenance to ensure a proper fit.
Secure and Comfortable
Teeth replaced with dental implants are permanent and stable as they are securely affixed to posts implanted in your jaw. Dental implants do not need to be removed and do not shift or move the way traditional dentures sometimes can.
5. What Can Go Wrong?
Dental implant surgery is generally straightforward and free of complications or trouble, but there are factors that can affect this. The patient’s oral hygiene, general health, and the amount and density of jaw bone they have to receive the surgical implant posts can affect overall outcomes.
6. How to Avoid Issues
Always consult a dentist familiar with dental implants and dental implant surgery for the best results. A dentist with extensive prior experience can carry out the procedure quickly and efficiently, and professional and medical certifications should also be reviewed to ensure excellent care.
7. How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
If cared for correctly, dental implants will last as long as the natural teeth that they replace — a lifetime.
8. What to Expect After Your Procedure
You may experience some minor swelling or discomfort in the day or so after your procedure, but these symptoms are generally relatively mild and require no special care. After the healing process, your dental implants will be permanently and securely attached to your jaw and look, feel, and function nearly identically to natural teeth.
Summary
Dental implants are excellent replacements for any number of lost natural teeth and can provide significant benefits over other tooth replacement options like traditional dentures. Dental implants are stronger, more stable, and look the same as natural teeth. They do not need special care or maintenance and can last a lifetime.
For more information on dental implants or to learn about which options may be suitable for you, contact your dentist today. It could be the first step toward the smile of your dreams.
