Dental Implants

How are dental implants done?

The first step of dental implants is having the dentist consult and examine the site in the mouth where the dental implant is being considered. The dentist will need to consider if any of the neighboring teeth need to be extracted and which type of bone graft needs to be conducted.

Once the patient has been given a few months to heal, the dental implant is placed into the bone, and a healing cap is placed over the implant to begin the healing phase. It’s important to visit the dentist every six months for a check-up to ensure healing.

What types of dental implants exist?

Two commonly used types of dental implants are Endosteal implants and All-on-4 dental implants. Endosteal implants are the most popular option, consisting of a titanium metal rod inserted into the jawbone and a supporting post designed to hold either a dental crown or a dental bridge.

All-on-4 implants are a revolutionary dental implant system where only four implants support an entire top or bottom denture. Each implant is placed strategically to keep the replacement teeth steady and secure. The advantage of using four implants is that it helps promote faster patient recovery and reduces the likelihood of complications from possible implant failure.

What are the benefits of dental implants?

When you lose a tooth, it can become difficult to chew and speak clearly. If tooth loss is left untreated, it could result in problems like tooth shifts, jawbone deterioration, facial structure, and bite imbalances. These issues usually develop over time when there is no root system to maintain bone health and alignment.

Dental implants can not only help a patient overcome short-term challenges; they can also prevent long-term problems linked to tooth loss. They are the most effective method for treating tooth loss because they serve as an artificial root system for supporting a prosthetic tooth.

How long do dental implants last?

Dental implants can last a lifetime if they receive proper care and maintenance. However, factors like oral hygiene, lifestyle habits, and overall health can impact their longevity. Hence, it’s crucial to schedule regular dental check-ups and follow good oral hygiene practices to ensure the long-term success of dental implants.

What should I expect after dental implant surgery?

After dental implant surgery, you may experience some discomfort, swelling, and bleeding in the first few days. Your dentist may prescribe pain medication or recommend over-the-counter pain relievers to manage any discomfort. You should also expect to stick to a soft diet and avoid hard or crunchy foods for the first few weeks after surgery.

It’s important to follow your dentist or surgeon’s post-operative care instructions to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications.

The recovery time from dental implant surgery varies depending on:

• the number of implants placed
• the patient’s overall health
• how well post-operative care instructions are followed.

Most people can expect to resume normal activities within a few days to a week after surgery.