Dental Implants 101: Everything You Need to Know Before Getting Them
Missing teeth can damper your smile. But more than that, they affect the dental structure by causing the surrounding teeth to shift to the available space and weakening the teeth. Fortunately, we have different restorative dental treatments such as dental implants that can help restore your teeth’ function and smile.
What Are Dental Implants and Why Do You Need Them?
Dental implants are metal screws curved from titanium that are surgically fixed on the jaw bone to anchor the dental crowns. These implants, when properly fixed, they create a seamless look and are not noticeable.
Compared to the other restorative treatments, dental implants offer a permanent solution lasting for about 25 years or more. The implants offer great benefits, such as:
- Prevents jaw degradation
- Improved speech, dental health, and dental appearance
- Confidence and improved self-esteem
Can Anyone Get Dental Implants?
Before getting dental implants near you, it is vital to know your eligibility. Although they are effective, not everyone is eligible for the implants. You need to have healthy teeth and gums, free of dental decay, and be 17 years or older.
Sufficient bone density is needed to support the implants. If you lack the required bone support, the dentist may recommend a bone graft. This is a surgical procedure where the dentist places bone granules in the jaw to stimulate the new bone.
How Are the Teeth Implants Fixed?
Dental implants in Portland Oregon require three or more dental visits to be fixed, and the procedure is done in phases:
- Phase one or the Pre-surgery/ preparation stage
- The placement of the implant
- Fixing the permanent crowns
Since the dental implants are surgically fixed, you need to have a comprehensive dental evaluation done. Your dentist near you will do a dental exam using x-ray and possibly 3D scans to examine your teeth, gums, and jaw structure.
They will also do a review of your medical history and medications that you take. Keep in mind the dentist may recommend antibiotics before and after the dental implant surgical procedure.
The dentist will finally create a treatment plan suited to your dental needs. The dental treatment takes into account; the number and the location of missing teeth and the condition of your jawbone.
Keep in mind the dentist will perform a bone graft to stimulate bone growth if needed.
It is at this stage that our Multnomah Village dentist will discuss the different types of implants. There is the endosteal, subperiosteal, mini implants, and all-on-4- implants. If you have multiple or more than half of the teeth missing, you may consider getting full mouth dental implants near you.
The dental implants are fixed on the first dental visit if a bone graft is not done. The dentist will drill the jaw bone to fix the implant. This is usually done under local anesthesia, but sometimes dental sedation may be used if you have a dental phobia or gag reflex.
Usually, the dentist waits until the bone and the implant fuse before an abutment or connector is fixed. But, sometimes, he may fix the connector on the same dental visit.
The bone and implant must fuse for the surgery to be successful. Once this process is complete, the abutment is fixed and a dental impression taken to make the dental crown.
On your final dental visit, the dentist will remove the temporary crowns and replace them with the permanent ones. The crowns can be removable or fixed.
What to Expect After the Procedure is Done?
After the dental implants are fixed, you may experience gum swelling, bruising, minor bleeding, pain in the surgical area.
These dental problems will clear after some time, but the dentist will prescribe pain relievers and antibiotics to relieve pain and prevent infection.
Are There Risks?
Dental implants surgery has a successful rate, but at times the procedure may fail because of several factors:
- Infection where the implant is fixed.
- Nerve damage or gum bruising
- Injury to the surrounding blood vessels
Take Away
Dental implants are effective and long-lasting and are a great option if you have enough jaw bone. Contact Serene Dental for more information on dental implant surgery.