You’ll agree missing teeth can be unattractive. But, more than that, these gaps can wreak havoc on your dental structure. Having missing teeth cause the surrounding teeth to start shifting to the available spaces. Not only that, but the alveolar bone that supports the teeth also starts to dissolve, further weakening your teeth.
Replacing these teeth is critical to your oral health and facial muscles. Fortunately, we have several restorative treatments that you can choose from, among them dental implants. Replacing these teeth is critical to your oral health and facial muscles. Fortunately, we have several restorative treatments that you can choose from, among them dental implants.
Before you get a dental implant near you, here is the truth about implants and the procedure of getting them.
What Are Teeth Implants?
A tooth implant is a metal post, usually made of titanium, which is surgically placed in the jaw bone. Since these implants act as roots, they are fixed deep on the bone to offer proper support.
Several types are available that you can choose from like:
- Endosteal is the conventional or traditional implant fixed in the jawbone.
- Subperiosteal are similar but are fixed above the jawbone
- Mini implants resemble the traditional ones but are smaller in size
- All-on-4 implants are used when you have multiple teeth missing
Who Can Use the Implants?
As effective as the implants are, they are not ideal for everyone. For these metal posts to be fixed you need to meet the criteria:
- Be 17 years and above and have a fully developed jawbone.
- Have good health. People with diabetes, leukemia, and other chronic diseases are not eligible.
- You don’t smoke. The dentist may recommend other restorative treatments because smoking slows down healing.
- Have healthy teeth and gums, free of decay or infection
- You need sufficient jaw bone for the implants to be fixed.
What to Expect?
The dental implant surgery is done in phases and requires several visits to the dentist. These consultations are spread over a couple of months.
1. Preparation and planning
Just like other surgical procedures, the dental implant needs planning for it to be successful. Our dentist in Boca Raton, FL, will do a comprehensive dental examination to check for bone loss. Next, he will do a medical and drug history assessment and also determine which implants are suitable.
If you lack the required bone support, the dentist may recommend a bone graft. This is done to stimulate new bone growth to support the implants. The bone graft procedure is done before the dental implant surgery. The process involves taking bone granules from your hip or a cadaver and placing them on the affected area. It can take up to 12 months for the new bone to grow.
2. Phase one: Fixing the implant
The implant surgery is done under local anesthesia. However, dental sedation may be used for people with severe dental phobia. Dr. Rafael Vorona will make an incision on the gums to expose the bone. Next, he will drill the bone and fix the implant. Temporary fixtures may be used to cover the exposed gums.
3. Phase two: Osseointegration and recovery
The osseointegration process must be successful. This is when the bone and implant fuse. If the process is not successful, the chances of the implants failing are high.
During the recovery period, you will experience bruising, swelling, and bleeding. The dentist will prescribe antibiotics and pain-relieving medication to ease the pain and prevent infection.
4. Phase three: fixing the abutment
This is done after successful osseointegration. The dentist will open the gums again to fix the abutment, which connects the implant and the artificial teeth. It will take a couple of weeks for the gums to heal and be ready for the final stage.
5. Phase four: fixing the crowns
An impression is taken to the lab to make the crowns. These artificial teeth can either be fixed or removable. For the fixed ones, the dentist will screw or cement them in place.
6. Long term care
Whether you choose fixed or removable crowns, it is important to take care of your teeth. No special instructions are needed, but proper hygiene is required.
Schedule an Appointment
Visit Dental Care of Boca Raton for more information on dental implant surgery.
