You must have heard a lot about how dental implants work, more so if you are someone who has suffered from tooth loss. In that case, your dentist must’ve suggested you get one too. Getting a dental implant is a surgical treatment that delivers excellent results and lasts you a lifetime if given proper care. In this article, we will help you understand what goes on during the extensive procedure of getting dental implants and how they work to replace a real tooth.
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a dental prosthetic consisting of three parts. The base of it resembles a cylinder or a screw, and it is used to replace the root of a lost tooth. The second part is the abutment, which is fixed to the post from one end. It is later topped with a prosthetic crown, created to resemble a real tooth. The implants that are affixed into the jawbone and gum tissue are mostly made of titanium or a neutral material that will not cause any kind of reaction with the skin. As opposed to dentures, dental implants look and feel more like real teeth.
How Does It Work?
The procedure of getting dental implants can sound a bit overwhelming but it is a lot easier than having to live with lost teeth for the rest of your life. If you are advised by a dentist to get one done then read ahead to know about the general working of the procedure. This itself is a three-part procedure that requires a lot of patience and dedication.
- The first step is where the dental implant will be surgically inserted into your jawbone, mostly by a dentist who is an implant dentistry expert. To ensure your comfort, you will be administered an anesthetic throughout the surgical process. With time, the implant will merge with your jawbone as you heal (osseointegration). Together, the implant and the surrounding jawbone will develop and provide long-lasting support for your new teeth.
The healing period might last anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on the extent of the surgery. As long as the osseointegration process is going well, you should be able to go about your normal routine.
- To link the implant to the replacement tooth, a tiny connection (abutment) is put over the implant (or teeth).
- Finally, the abutment is connected to the replacement tooth, implant-supported bridge, or multiple-tooth dentures based on your required treatment, resulting in a healthy mouth full of natural-looking teeth.
Why are Dental Implants Needed?
Dental implants restore the strength and stability of missing tooth roots, allowing patients to consume all of their favorite foods without difficulty. They also aid in the stimulation and maintenance of jaw bone, which helps to avoid bone loss and support face characteristics.
Aftercare
- Dental implants, in contrast to alternatives for lost teeth, can last a lifetime if properly placed and maintained. Moreover, implants assist to retain face shape by avoiding bone degeneration that happens when teeth are absent.
- After the initial operation, there will be a very little discomfort. As well as mild bleeding and bruising at the implant site, swelling of your gums and face. Your diet may be restricted to soft foods for the first five to seven days following surgery. If there are stitches involved, your dentist may need to remove them later; however, self-dissolving stitches that do not need to be removed are also more commonly utilized.
Failing to floss and brush might lead to the treatment failing. An infection can develop if the implant and the surrounding regions are not adequately cleaned. Smoking is also linked to a high failure risk and should be avoided after implant operations. To learn more about how dental implants work, contact your Pinole dentists, Dr. Azadeh Hosseini and Dr. Ghazal Hosseini, at Top Pinole Dental today.
There is no treatment guide on this website, and it should not be used as a substitute for professional dental advice from a dentist. It is highly recommended that you get the advice of a qualified dentist or other medical practitioners regarding your specific dental condition.
*Neither this nor any of the other content in this media is meant to prescribe, recommend, or prevent any treatment or procedure.
Resources: