Dental Implants
Things to know before your visit
Dental implant surgery can be an excellent alternative to ill-fitting dentures or bridgework, and it can also be a good option when dentures or bridgework tooth replacements aren’t possible due to a lack of natural tooth roots. This procedure replaces a damaged or missing tooth with a metal, screw-like tooth root that can give the look and function of natural teeth.
Dental implant surgery is usually done as an outpatient procedure in stages, with time for rest and recovery in between. The steps include:
Removal of a damaged tooth
(When necessary) Jawbone preparation (grafting) is performed.
Placement of dental implants
Bone development and repair
Placement of the abutment
Placement of artificial tooth
This process can take many months but the majority of that time is spent recuperating and waiting for new bone to form in your jaw. Certain steps can be combined depending on your teeth’s condition.
The vast majority of dental implants are successful. However, there are some cases where the implant fails to fuse properly, so the procedure will have to be repeated.
If you do the following, your dental treatment – as well as your natural teeth – will last longer.
Maintain a good oral hygiene routine. Maintain the cleanliness of your implants, artificial teeth, and gum tissue; the same way you would do to your natural teeth. Brushes, such as an interdental brush that glides between teeth, are designed specifically for cleaning the nooks and crannies around teeth, gums, and metal posts.
See your dentist regularly. Follow the professional cleaning guidelines and schedule frequent dental visits to ensure healthy and properly working implants.
Stay away from bad habits. Refrain from chewing hard objects such as ice and candies that can cause your crowns, or even your natural teeth, to break down. Avoid having tobacco and caffeinated drinks that may cause teeth discoloration. Consult episodes of tooth grinding.