Adults have the tendency to lose their teeth as they are. This is why dental implants are introduced. These are artificial teeth that are being implanted to fill the gaps. If your goal is to have a treatment that will give you the feel of having natural teeth, this is the one that you can consider. The implant is made using a metal post and an artificial tooth.
Table of Contents
1. Initial Evaluation
Before getting dental implants, you are first required to go through a thorough evaluation. Part of the process is to go through X-rays. Aside from that, teeth models will also be considered to ensure that you will have implants will match your natural teeth. After that, your jawbone will be checked to know how many teeth need replacement. You will also undergo some more consultations and tests for them to know if you have any medical conditions. The whole process of initial evaluation would need the participation of dental specialists. This is to ensure that the surgery will be perfect.
2. During the Surgery
The dental implant surgery is done in different stages. This is to ensure that the healing process will be done completely. Here are the different steps that will be taken during the surgery:
Damaged tooth is removed
This is something that will be done when the damaged tooth was not yet removed prior to the consultation.
Bone grafting
This is done as one of the measures that are observed to prepare the jawbone for the surgery.
Implant is inserted into the gum line
This part of the process is done when the jawbone is already healed. This is also one of the reasons why implants take time. There is a need to wait for the affected part of the mouth to heal to ensure the success of the surgery.
Attaches the artificial tooth on top
This is done after giving the jaw some time to heal again. Once the artificial tooth is placed on top of the metal post, the full implant is already complete.
Advantages:
Here are the benefits you will be able to enjoy when you consider dental implants:
Improved Appearance
One of the things that you need to know when you lose some teeth is that it can affect the structure of your jaw. This will result in the loss of bone mass in the jaw. With dental implants, you will be able to stimulate your jawbone. This will help prevent bone loss and it will add to an improved appearance not only of your face structure but also of your teeth.
Improved Speech
When you consider using dentures, you would know that you will be having difficulty in pronouncing some words correctly. This is also the same thing that missing teeth can produce as a problem. When it comes to dental implants, you will have more advantage on this. Since they function like your natural teeth, you can speak naturally and easily.
Improved Oral Health
When you have dental implants, you will have lesser chances of getting cavities. This is something that other treatments cannot ensure. With the materials used in making dental implants, you can ensure that you will not be dealing with tooth decay problems and cavities.
Durability
Probably the best thing about dental implants is that they last a lifetime. Unlike other options that must be changed periodically, implant is a permanent solution to tooth loss.
Convenience
As compared to dentures, dental implants are more convenient because you do not have to consider taking it off. It is there permanently and it allows you to smile, laugh and eat confidently.
Risks:
Here are some of the risks that you need to know to help you understand dental implants better:
Infection at the implant site
Infection may be experienced in the gum or the bone. This is something that can be avoided if you are going to follow the instructions of the dentist for aftercare. The treatment of the infection depends on the area that is affected.
Injury or damage to surrounding structures
There are times when a dental surgeon may inadvertently place the implant close to the nerve. This may result to the feeling of numbness, pain or tingling that may be long term.
Nerve damage
When an injury is made in the nerve, you can expect that there will be persistent discomfort or pain. You can also experience the feeling of burning sensation in the gum area that can also extend to the skin.
Excessive bone loss
It has been shown that 5 to 10 percent of patients experience loss of alveolar bone around the dental implant. However, this is not really something that is experienced by many people who consider this option.
When you are considering having dental implants, you also need to know that there are activities that are not allowed for you. One of which is smoking. You also need to have a healthy lifestyle and you should consider aftercare tips for you to ensure that the procedure and the treatment will work for your own benefit.
