Are you dealing with missing, broken, or worn teeth? Does this affect the way you speak, eat, or even how confident you feel when you’re talking to people? If you’ve answered yes to these questions, then it may be time to speak to your dental specialist about the potential of having your worn teeth replaced with quality dental implants.
Many locals are investing in dental implants in Mornington that dental specialists recommend for improved dental health.
This post defines dental implants and also shares a few key aspects that you should know about what the procedure involves.
Clarity on What Dental Implants Are
Several modern dental procedures make it possible for anyone with worn or broken teeth to regain full functionality of their mouths. One of the more widely recommended dental solutions is dental implant surgery.
Typically, dental implants refer to procedures where a complete arch (teeth next to each other on the same side) is replaced by titanium posts that hold new dental crowns. Simply put, dental implants can be described as implanting new (cosmetic, not real) teeth.
It’s essential to point out that not everyone can have dental implants, as factors such as overall health and current dental status all determine whether a patient will be a good candidate for dental implants.
Here’s what you need to know about how the dental implant process works:
- Your dental specialist, usually a prosthodontist, will start the process by performing a complete assessment of your teeth, gums, and overall oral health.
- If the patient is a good candidate for the procedure, then specific pre-treatment is done, and the patient is prepared for what to expect.
- During the process, titanium anterior implants (quantities may vary, depending on what you need) are inserted into the gum at an axial direction, usually at a 45-degree angle. After this, posterior implants are placed in position. Note that the bones in your gums must be strong enough to safely hold the implants for the procedure to work.
- Healing time varies for each patient, and once the implants have settled, a bridge of crowns is inserted over the implants.
- The bridge of new porcelain veneers covers the gaps in the arch and relies on the implants for support.
- Post-operative care involves eating a soft diet until the implants have healed completely.
Preparation is Key
There may be two reasons why you are considering a dental implant. The first reason could be that you’ve started researching potential solutions before visiting your dentist. Or your prosthodontist may have recommended this as the best course of action for your existing dental issues. Either way, here’s what you need to know about what to expect.
Discuss Your Full Medical History
As we’ve already mentioned, not everyone is healthy enough to qualify for the dental implant procedure. Individuals suffering from hypertension or diabetes may not be good candidates, as their impaired health can hamper the healing process.
This means that your first step should always be to discuss your full medical history as well as current medications with your prosthodontist. This, combined with a full assessment, will determine whether or not you qualify for the surgery.
Abandon All Tobacco Products
Smokers often have the hardest time dealing with the pre- and post-preparation processes. The key reason for this centres around the harmful effects of nicotine on gum and bone health. Bones that have been weakened by years of nicotine use can make it difficult for the dental implants to fuse with the bones in your mouth. When this happens, the implant will fail and will need to be removed since the titanium posts won’t settle.
In addition to this, a weakened immune system (a side effect of smoking) can also increase the risk of inflammation and gum disease. To avoid the issues associated with nicotine use, your prosthodontist will advise you to stop smoking a minimum of two weeks before your first surgical procedure. You will also have to refrain from smoking until the implant procedure has settled and is deemed completed.
Healing Is a Process
As excited as you may be to get “new” teeth, it’s essential to know that the healing process can take between three and six months for the implants to fuse thoroughly with the existing gum bones. Typically referred to as osseointegration, this fusing process may require you to wear temporary dentures until the titanium implants are ready to support the bridge of teeth. Maintaining your oral and overall health is essential to encourage faster healing.
Final Thoughts
Dental implants are a popular and effective way to create a permanent solution to your worn and damaged teeth. A simple procedure makes it easy to replace all the teeth in a single arch.
Ensuring that your implant procedure is a success means knowing what to expect as well as preparing your mouth for the required surgery. Pre- and post-treatment steps will be key to ensuring that your dental implant procedure is a success and lasts as long as you need it to!
