Losing or damaging a tooth is something many people fear, but it can happen over time or in the blink of an eye. Depending on the damage, your dentist may recommend a dental implant. These medical devices are highly effective and long-lasting, making them a popular choice for tooth replacement when dentures or bridgework are not an option. When completed, dental implants look, feel, and function just like a regular tooth and will make you forget you even had tooth damage in the first place.
Mountain View Family Dental has a team of dental implant experts who can offer advice and excellent services if you’re in need of an implant. We can help you learn everything you should know about dental implants and if they’re right for you.
What Is A Dental Implant?
Dental implants are medical devices that are surgically placed in your jawbone to replace tooth roots and give the appearance of a natural tooth. The artificial tooth is held in place with metal posts, which are a stronger, longer-lasting alternative to bridgework or dentures, especially when natural teeth roots are nonexistent or don’t allow for building such structures.
Why Do Dentists Use Dental Implants?
Because they serve as roots of missing teeth, dentists use implants to give the most lifelike tooth replacement possible, but implants also offer many features that make them easy to maintain. Since the titanium posts infuse with your jawbone, they won’t slip, make noise, or cause damage like other alternatives. The implant’s materials also don’t decay. Beyond their benefits, dental implants simply work better for certain patients than others.
Your dentist may recommend implants if you:
● Have a missing tooth or multiple teeth
● Have a fully grown, healthy jawbone with good structure to secure the implants
● Have healthy oral tissues
● Do not have health conditions that will affect bone healing
● Want to improve your speech
● Can be patient with the time required for bone healing around the implant.
● Don’t smoke tobacco
How Do Patients Prepare For Dental Implants?
Your dental implant process begins long before you’re in the surgery room. First, Mountain View Family Dental’s staff will perform a comprehensive exam of your mouth, which may include taking X-rays, 3D imagery, and making models of your teeth and jaw. This will help us fully understand your needs and how to fit your impact perfectly into your mouth. We’ll also complete a full review of your medical history. At this stage, we’ll ask about your medications, current health conditions, and anything else that might change your treatment plan. We’ll also decide if antibiotics will be required before your surgery to reduce the risk of infection. Finally, we’ll create a treatment plan tailor-made to your needs. At this point, you’ll know the timeline of your procedure, expected recovery time, and when you’ll have your new and improved smile.
What Happens During Dental Implant Surgery?
Dental implant surgery is an outpatient procedure performed in stages with healing periods in between. The basic steps include the following:
● Removal of the damaged tooth
● Jawbone preparation, such as bone grafting, if needed
● Dental implant placement
● Placement of supports or abutments
● Artificial tooth placement
Depending on your specific needs, you may not require certain steps, which can increase the speed of your implant timeline. After your tooth has been placed, you may experience swelling or bruising around your mouth and minor pain. However, we can prescribe pain meds and antibiotics to make your recovery process as easy as possible. Eating soft foods may also provide comfort. Finally, practice strong oral hygiene once you're finished and see your dentist regularly to keep your implants in top shape.
What Are The Benefits of Dental Implants?
There are many benefits to dental implants that make them a wonderful choice for your tooth Replacement:
● Comfort: Since the implants are so lifelike and custom-made for your mouth, you likely won’t even notice them in your mouth once they’re in place.
● Lifespan: Dental implants can last a lifetime, whereas bridgework and dentures may need replacements over time.
● Quality of life: Most dental implant patients can carry on with normal activities right after healing and have normal chewing, bite stability, and appearance, so you won’t need to adjust your lifestyle.
● Improved jaw stability: Your dental implant can help keep your other teeth stable too, preventing facial sagging and premature aging.
Dental implants can be a great solution if you’re dealing with lost or damaged teeth. Set up an appointment with Mountain View Family Dental today to learn if dental implants are right for you. Our experienced team will guide you through the entire process and will be your trusted dental team.
