Benefits, Procedure, and Care for Dental Implants

Understanding Dental Implants

Dental implants are an excellent solution for replacing missing teeth and restoring your smile. As opposed to removable dentures or bridges, implants are fixed directly into the jawbone to provide sturdy, natural-looking prosthetic teeth.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are small titanium posts that are surgically inserted into the jawbone beneath your gums. Over the next few months, the bone will heal around the implant in a process called osseointegration. This creates a strong, stable base for your new artificial tooth, known as a dental crown.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Implants are the closest thing to mimicking natural teeth. Since they fuse with the jawbone, dental implants offer numerous advantages over other tooth replacement options:

• Look, feel and function like natural teeth
• Prevent bone loss in the jaw
• Do not affect neighboring healthy teeth
• Permanent, stable solution that can last a lifetime
• Improve chewing and speech
• Boost self-confidence with an improved smile

The Implant Procedure

Getting dental implants is a multi-step process that takes several months to complete. It involves surgery, recovery, and restoration to finally reach the beautiful, fully functional outcome.

Consultation and Planning

The first step is an initial consultation with your implant dentist. They will examine your teeth and jaw to determine bone quantity and health. This helps plan the precise placement of your dental implants for optimal durability and aesthetics.

Placement Surgery

During surgery, the dentist will make small incisions in your gums to expose the underlying bone. Tiny holes are drilled into the jawbone at precise angles and depths. Finally, the biocompatible titanium posts are fitted snugly into the holes. The incision is closed with small stitches.

Healing and Osseointegration

Over the next few months, your jaw will completely heal around the implants in a process known as osseointegration. This creates a tremendously strong anchor for your replacement teeth. During this time, temporary dentures can be worn until the implants are ready.

Attachment of the Abutment

Once healed, a small connector post called an abutment is attached to each implant. This acts as the new false tooth root. Impressions are taken and sent to a dental lab for fabrication of your permanent dental crowns, bridges or dentures.

Restoration and Results

Within a couple weeks, you'll come in for your final restoration appointment. The custom-crafted artificial teeth are secured to the abutments completing your implant supported smile! You'll walk out with fully functional, realistic teeth that could last 20 years or more.

Finding an Implant Dentist

Placing dental implants is a complex procedure that demands significant expertise and training. When choosing an implant specialist, make sure they have ample experience with implant surgeries and restorations.

Credentials to Look For

Only get implants from a fully licensed dentist that has undergone rigorous education in implant dentistry. Look for these credentials:

• DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine)
• Additional 2-3 years of advanced training in implantology
• Diplomate status from the American Board of Oral Implantology

Questions to Ask Your Dentist

When consulting potential implant dentists, ask these important questions:

• How many years have you performed implants and restorations?
• How many implant procedures do you complete annually?
• What is your implant success rate?
• Do you handle the entire process start-to-finish?

Choose an implant specialist you trust to design and deliver a treatment plan tailored to your unique dental needs.

Caring for Dental Implants

While incredibly durable, implants still need diligent care and maintenance. Be sure to brush and floss around your implant crowns daily to prevent infection and inflammation.

Keeping Implants Clean

Meticulous oral hygiene is vital for the long term success of your dental implants. Food and plaque can accumulate around the abutments, putting your implants at risk. Stick to this routine:

• Gently brush implants and gums twice daily
• Carefully floss around the implant abutments
• Use antibacterial mouthwash to prevent bacteria buildup
• Have your dentist professionally clean implants every 6 months

Watch for Warning Signs

Even with diligent care, implants may still develop issues. Call your dentist if you notice any of the following:

• Visible inflammation, redness or swelling
• Bleeding, soreness or pain around implants
• Pus discharge
• Loose implant crowns
• Changes in speech or difficulty chewing

FAQs

What is the dental implant procedure like?

The implant procedure involves multiple steps over several months. First, the implant post is surgically inserted into the jawbone. Over the next few months, the bone heals and integrates with the implant in a process called osseointegration. Then, an abutment is attached followed by the placement of the custom crown, bridge or denture to complete the restoration.

How long do dental implants last?

With proper care and maintenance, dental implants can last 20 years or longer before needing replacement. However, issues like infection or damage over time can shorten their lifespan if not treated promptly.

Can implants get infected?

Yes, bacteria and plaque can still accumulate around dental implants, putting them at risk for developing infections. Practicing good oral hygiene and seeing your dentist regularly can prevent this.

How do I find a qualified implant dentist?

Only get implants from a licensed dentist with specialized training in implantology. Look for credentials like Diplomate status from the American Board of Oral Implantology signifying advanced expertise.

Do dental implants feel natural?

Dental implants are designed to replicate natural tooth roots for a realistic look, feel and function. The titanium fuses with jawbone to provide stability so implants do not shift around or make noise like removable dentures.