What's It Like To Get Dental Implants?

What is it like to get dental implants installed? That's the question many patients who have lost or are missing teeth are wondering. This dental prosthetic is the cutting edge way to replace a lost tooth or multiples of them. People lose their teeth for many different reasons including from untreated decay, gum disease, accidents or injuries. In the old days, individuals either did without or wore dentures or bridges that were less than satisfactory for a variety of reasons. When a person has gaps in his or her smile, it often makes them feel very self conscious. They may stop grinning or speaking up in public. They may feel too embarrassed to eat a meal with others. Not only that, because they don't have a full set of incisors, bicuspids and molars, they aren't able to chew, bite, and grind up their foods. This may limit their food choices, leading to malnutrition, or cause a problem with their digestive process. The chewing of food is an important first step in digesting it.

Here are some tidbits about what the process of getting dental implants is like:

Initial appointment with a dentist: Dental implants are placed by a dentist, periodontist or oral surgeon. During the initial appointment, the oral healthcare provider would examine the structures, gum health, jawbone, and bone quality to see if the patient is a good candidate. This will include a visual exam as well as x-rays, CT scans and other tests. If there isn't enough healthy tissue and bone, grafts may be necessary to have a satisfactory outcome.

The hole is drilled in jawbone: One of the first steps involves drilling a tiny hole in tiny hole in the jawbone and inserting the titanium screw. Gum will be draped over the opening and osseointegration will take place. Osseointegration is a process where the bone grows over the titanium screw and will take a few months.

Abutment is placed: The next step will be placing the abutment. This is the device which fits over the screw to hold the crown. Sometimes this is done during the initial stages; other times it will be done months later.

Crowns are placed: Initially, a temporary crown will be attached to the abutment. After gums and healing has settled in, a permanent crown will be affixed. This crown will be made of a realistic looking product to make it look like a natural tooth.

Aftercare: After each stage, a patient will need to eat softer foods to allow for healing. The patient will also need to practice good oral hygiene habits including regular brushing, flossing and visiting the dentist. Because smoking cigarettes has been shown to hamper immunity and curtail successful results, a wise patient will make this the opportunity to quit tobacco products.

Dental implants are providing patients who have lost teeth an opportunity to smile again. If a person was interested in seeing whether he or she was a candidate, an appointment with a dentist, periodontist or oral surgeon should be made to learn more.