Getting surgery sounds scary, but your anxiety will ease a little when you know what to expect during a surgical procedure. Over 36 million people in the U.S do not have teeth, and 120 million have missing teeth due to the sudden rise in periodontal diseases. According to a report by the CDC, 70% of people over the age of 65 have periodontal diseases. Severe cases of periodontal diseases result in tooth decay, cavities, gingivitis, infections, and eventually shedding of teeth requiring urgent dental care.
Missing one or more teeth can affect a range of things – your smile, the ability to eat, your speech, and especially the health of your jawbone and face structure.
Our teeth have roots that consist of tissues and supporting ligament fibers. These roots keep the teeth stably in their place, nourish, and stimulate the jawbone. When the roots of the teeth weaken, they result in the shedding of the teeth. This loss of bone can cause wrinkles around the mouth, change your facial appearance, and collapse the mouth and cheeks.
What Are Dental Implants?
Getting dental implants is a procedure that involves implanting artificial teeth into the jaw. Dentists often recommend getting dental implants once people start aging and losing their adult teeth.
This technique dates back to the Mayan civilization, and then in 1952, P.I. Branemark discovered the use of titanium in dentistry – which can naturally fuse with a bone! Getting dental implants is a well-known procedure where a surgical fixture is placed into the jaw and then allowed to fuse with the bone.
There are two different types of implants you can get:
- Endosteal Implant:One of the most common types of implants is endosteal. This implant includes screws, blades, and cylinders placed into the jawbone. This is typically used when the patient is wearing bridges or dentures.
- SubperiostealImplantThis implant is placed on top of the jaw. It has a metal framework that protrudes through the gum and holds the implant in place.
The Procedure
The procedure for dental implants involves the following steps:
1. First Evaluation
When you visit your dentist for the dental implants, they will first perform a comprehensive evaluation to see which dental implant procedure suits you the best. This will depend on factors like the condition of your jawbone and how many teeth you are looking to replace. This evaluation also involves an X-ray, taking impressions, and observing the color of your teeth to match it with the implant.
This is the time to discuss any medications you are taking with your dentist or any medical conditions or allergies. You may be asked to take antibiotics to reduce the risk of any infections.
2. Tooth Extraction
The dentists will remove any remaining tooth that is left behind that also needs replacement. Your dentists will also discuss the anesthesia options with you. Generally, local anesthesia like Novocain or Lidocaine is used so that the patient won’t feel any pain during the procedure.
3. Inserting The Implant
The next step is to insert the implant. Once the dental implant has been inserted, your jaw will naturally grow around the implant and become a part of your gum line. The healing process can take a few months, varying from patient to patient.
4. Placing The Abutment
To connect your implant to the crown, an abutment is added on top of the implant. This abutment also needs to be tightened to not loosen up when you chew. The dentists will also place a healing cap to keep the bone from growing on top of the abutment. This part does not hurt, but you will feel a little pressure.
5. The Permanent Crown
The last step of this procedure is getting the artificial crown. Your dentist will add the artificial tooth once your gums have healed from the implant insertion. You can choose between having a removable and a permanent implant.
Post-surgery, you might feel discomfort, bruising, swelling, or minor bleeding in your gums, but don’t worry. That is a part of the healing process. You should avoid any hard foods, always have ice-packs on hand to help with the swelling, and avoid alcohol and tobacco products.
Get Your Dental Implants From Expert Dentistry Practitioners Today!
Finding the right dentists for urgent dental care is the first step to getting perfectly healthy teeth again! Get dental implants from the best dentists near West Hill at West Hills Smiles and receive expert dental treatment from our experienced dentists today.
Our dental surgical procedures are performed in an extremely sterile environment. Our practices are hygienic, professional, and highly affordable. Our services also include professional teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, cosmetic dentistry, and any general dentistry services. Visit our dental clinic near Woodlands for emergency dental services, or contact us.
Book an appointment today to get started.
