When you have missing teeth, everyday activities like eating and speaking become much more difficult. Thankfully, advancements in modern dentistry mean that you do not have to suffer from missing teeth for long. There is a variety of options to getting a new smile, and it has never been easier to replace teeth with dental implants.
How does a dentist replace teeth with dental implants?
Dental implants are permanent appliances meant to replace teeth. An implant is surgically fitted into the space where tooth loss has occurred. Dental implants can reinstate the bite, restore tooth functionality and improve the appearance of your smile.
With proper maintenance, implants can last a lifetime.
Who is a good candidate?
The ideal candidate for dental implants is in good overall health, oral health and has sufficient jawbone density.
For the implant to be successful, you will need to have enough bone in your jaw. The jaw will support the implant, so If the bone is weakened or infected, these issues will need to be treated before installation of an implant.
Those with little bone density may not be good candidates for an implant. Your dentist will be able to take imaging of your mouth and jaw to conclude if an implant is right for you.
Optimal gum health is vital when it comes to implants. The appliance will be closely connected to the periodontal tissue in your mouth when inserted into the bone, so it is important that the gums are healthy.
Implants are mainly used to replace a single missing tooth. However, other devices like bridges can be used in combination with implants to fix multiple missing teeth.
What to expect during the procedure
First, your dentist or periodontist will take X-rays of your oral cavity to identify any bone and gum problems. If all is clear, your dentist will then make an impression of your teeth by using a molding medium set into a tray. The impression is an important step in the process, as this allows your dentist to craft a personalized implant that will look like your natural teeth and fit precisely into the space.
Next, the dentist will likely administer local anesthesia to make sure you do not feel any discomfort during the operation.
A dental drill will be used to make a hole in the jawbone for the placement of the implant. The implant post, usually made of titanium, is then inserted carefully into the jawbone. Implants usually take a few months to fuse with the bone after the initial appointment.
During the second appointment, the dentist will then install the custom crown over the post.
The crown, or abutment, can be placed in the same appointment as the post sometimes. Talk to your dentist to determine if you can have it done in one appointment, especially if you need a quicker solution.
The recovery period
The good news is you will be able to use your tooth almost immediately after the final placement of the abutment. Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection. You may want to steer clear of crunchy or hard foods directly after surgery. Other than that, you will be able to go about your daily life with a brand new, functioning tooth.
Ready to restore your smile?
Those with good overall health are generally candidates for a dental implant.
Call our office if you would like to discuss your concerns and see how our dentists replace teeth with dental implants.
Request an appointment here: https://www.implantdentistirvine.com or call Smile by Design Dental Group at (949) 786-2820 for an appointment in our Irvine office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Implants.