Millions of people suffer from tooth loss. You can lose a tooth due to decay or injury. Either way, losing a tooth or teeth can be devastating. If this has happened to you, there are a few options to treat the issue. Dentures, bridges, and dental implants are all treatments for tooth loss. While they are all effective forms of treatment, there are several benefits of dental implants over dentures and bridges.
Dentures and bridges tend to shift when you are talking or eating. Dental implants are drilled right into the jawbone, so there is no need to worry about shifting.
Dentures and bridges need to be taken out and cleaned on a daily basis. To clean dental implants, you simply brush them the same way that you would with your natural teeth.
There are certain foods that can be difficult to eat when you have dentures or a bridge. Sticky foods, such as caramel and taffy can cause issues when eating. If you are a denture wearer, the small seeds in fruits, such as a grapefruit, can become lodged under the denture. There are no foods which are off limits when you have dental implants.
Dentures and bridges do not look like your natural teeth. It is nearly impossible to tell the difference between a dental implant and your natural teeth.
Dental Implant Procedure
If you are considering dental implants, it is a good idea to understand the procedure, and to know what you should expect.
Step 1
The first step in the dental implant procedure is an evaluation. It is necessary for the dentist to determine whether or not you would be a good candidate for dental implants. A person who is a good candidate will have strong bone density in their jaw. Strong bone density is necessary to support the implant. If you do not have adequate bone structure, a bone graft can be placed in the area where the tooth is missing. This is usually effective. If you are not a candidate, even with a bone graft, you would need to get dentures or bridges to treat your tooth loss.
Step 2
The next step is placing the implants. The dentist will use a thin, titanium rod, which is attached to the jawbone, under the gum line. This rod will act as the tooth's root. It can take up to several months for the rod to fully fuse itself to the jawbone. In the meantime, a temporary crown can be placed over the rod. Once the rod has fused to the bone, it will be a permanent fixture in your mouth.
Step 3
The final step in the dental implant process is to place a permanent dental crown. Once your dentist is confident that the rod has fused, fully to the jawbone, this final step can take place. The dental crown is custom designed, so that it looks like your natural teeth.
What to Expect After the Procedure
Before you begin the dental implant process, it is a good idea to know the pain involved in the procedure, and what you should expect.
Following each step of the procedure, you can expect swelling of the gums and the face, bruising of your gums and skin, pain at the site of the implant, and minor bleeding.
Your dentist may prescribe a pain medication and antibiotics following each step of the procedure.
You may need to eat soft food as each stage of the surgery is completed. You can expect to be on a soft diet for between 10 and 14 days.
If your dentist did not use self-dissolving stitches to sew up the surgical sites, you may need to have them removed 10 days following the procedure.
Dental Implant Risks
Like any surgical procedure, there are risks when it comes to dental implants, although, most are highly unlikely. The risks include:
Infection at the site of the implant
Damage to the surrounding teeth and blood vessels
Injury to the surrounding teeth and blood vessels
The implants that were placed on in the upper jaw can protrude into your sinus cavity
Dental Implant Side Effects
It is important to know what side effects that you can experience after you get dental implants. Most people who have experienced these side effects have stated that they were not severe enough where they wish they never had the procedure.
Bacteria build up: If you have receding gums, it can cause the rod to become visible, and leaving the area susceptible to infection.
Infection and inflammation: Following the procedure, there is the possibility of developing an infection.
Rejection: In very few cases, the immune system has rejected the implant. Dentists cannot explain the reason for this, and only a very small percentage of patients have had this problem.
Dental implants are an excellent option for treating tooth loss. If dental implants sound like the right option for you, contact dentists for
dental implants in Placentia CA