If you have missing teeth, you may not be as happy with your smile as you could be. You might not like to look at yourself in the mirror, and it could be affecting both your physical and mental health. The fact is that there are several health concerns associated with missing teeth. For instance, did you know that your other teeth will shift into the gaps where your teeth used to be, causing issues with your jaw and bite? Also, your jawbone will eventually begin to deteriorate if you don’t replace your missing teeth. Regarding your mental health, you can suffer from lower self-confidence if you can’t smile like you used to.
Although there are many different options for tooth replacement, dental implants are a fabulous way to regain your smile and self-esteem. So, what is involved with the dental implant process?
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a way to replace missing teeth where a titanium post is “implanted” into your jawbone, creating an artificial root so that a dental crown or denture can later be added on top of the post. The completed dental implants will look and function just like natural teeth, giving you back your ability to eat and an aesthetically pleasing smile.
What Is the Pre-Procedure Preparation for Dental Implants?
If you want to consider dental implants to replace your missing teeth, you will begin with a consultation where the dentist will take x-rays and jaw scans to see if you are a candidate for dental implants. They will also talk to you about any medical conditions and discuss your medications before creating a personalized treatment plan.
If your dentist deems you a good candidate, they will discuss the implant procedure with you, including the different treatment steps, how long each step will take, and how much the procedure will cost.
At this point, you have an important decision to make. You will need to weigh your options and decide if dental implants are the best option to replace your missing teeth. If you choose to proceed, your dentist’s office will schedule the procedure.
What Is the Procedure for Dental Implants?
Your dental implant procedure has several different steps, and the first steps will vary from patient to patient. If you have teeth that need to be extracted before your dental implants are placed, the dentist will remove those teeth. Also, if you don’t have enough jawbone density to support the dental implants, you may have to undergo bone grafting before your dental implant procedure. Your dentist will discuss these steps with you as part of your treatment plan.
Once those two steps are complete, the dental implant procedure will go as follows:
Your dentist will administer anesthesia to make you comfortable.
Next, your dentist will place the implant into your jawbone and add a connector. This connector is called an abutment, and it will hold your dental crown in place. It will take several months for the jawbone to adhere to the new implant, so you will have to wait between three to nine months before moving on to the next step. You will likely have a healing cap or temporary crown in the implant area during this healing time.
Once your implant is stable enough for the next step, the dentist will attach your permanent dental crown to the abutment and complete the implant process.
What Is the Post-Procedure Recovery for Dental Implants?
The recovery time will vary after your dental implant procedure, depending on several factors. These factors include the following:
- The number of implants you received
- Whether or not you had bone grafts before your received implants
- Your age, health, and hygiene habits
You may recover in one or two days, or it may take one to two weeks. You will probably be sore and experience some swelling from the procedure, but you should feel a little better each day. You should use ice packs and take an anti-inflammatory drug to help with any discomfort.
What Is the Long-Term Maintenance for Dental Implants?
It will be essential to practice good oral hygiene to keep your dental implants in the best shape possible. Be sure to brush and floss regularly, and always visit your dentist for regular check-ups and dental cleanings. Taking good care of your teeth and gums will help your implants last longer, which will help your beautiful smile last longer. If you properly care for your new implants, you can expect them to last ten to thirty years.
Are You Interested in Dental Implants in Los Gatos?
If you would like to schedule a consultation with someone in our dental office, please call us at (408) 399-3920, and a member of our team will be happy to answer your questions and schedule an appointment.