Having a great smile can make all the difference, but if you’re missing teeth or suffering from severe gum disease, it can be difficult to feel confident when it comes to oral health. Thankfully, dental implants can be a great solution to replace missing or damaged teeth and improve the appearance and functionality of your smile. If you’re considering dental implants and want to know more about what to expect before and after the procedure, read on for a complete guide to dental implants.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are not just artificial teeth; they emulate the role of natural teeth in form and function. With surgical precision, these marvels are anchored into the jawbone to repair gaps or replace damaged or lost teeth. There are various reasons why one may suffer from teeth loss, ranging from gum disease and tooth decay to injuries. Fortunately, dental implants offer a lasting remedy that restores one’s smile, both functionally and aesthetically. Dental implants are made up of three essential components: an implant post, an abutment, and a restoration like a crown. The implant post is a small metal screw that is placed into the jawbone, and the abutment is a small connector piece that attaches to the implant post. The restoration is an artificial tooth (e.g., crown) that is attached to the abutment.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants offer several benefits, including:
1. Improved appearance: Dental implants are designed to resemble your natural teeth, providing not only a natural look but also a realistic feel. Each implant is uniquely tailored to match the colour and shape of your surrounding teeth, ensuring seamless integration into your smile.
2. Improved oral health: Dental implants do not require any special care beyond regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits. In addition to maintaining healthy teeth, they aid in averting bone loss and preserving the well-being of the adjacent teeth.
3. Improved quality of life: Dental implants allow you to eat and speak comfortably without any embarrassment or discomfort, and they can last for many years when properly cared for.
What Happens Before Dental Implants?
Before you can get dental tooth implants, you will need to have a consultation with your dentist. During this appointment, they will assess the health of your teeth and jawbone to determine whether this type of tooth replacement is the right option for you. Your dentist may also take X-rays or scans of your mouth so that they can plan exactly where the implant post should be placed. If your jawbone isn’t strong enough to support the implant post, you may need to have a bone graft before the procedure.
What Are The Steps of Dental Implant Procedure?
The process of getting dental implants is a lengthy one, and it usually requires two or more appointments with your dentist. The steps for the procedure are as follows:
- Placement of the Implant:
The implant is surgically placed in the jaw bone. It takes several weeks for the implant to bond with the bone, a process known as osseointegration.
- Attaching the Abutment:
Once the implant has bonded with the bone, an abutment is attached to it. This attaches the artificial teeth (or dentures) to the implant.
- Placing the Prosthetic Tooth:
The last step of implanting a dental prosthetic is to position the tooth that is specially crafted to match the size, shape, and colour of your other teeth.
What Happens During Dental Implant Procedure?
The dental implant procedure is commonly performed under localised anaesthesia. Its duration depends on the number of implants required, usually taking anywhere between 30 minutes to several hours. During the surgical process, the dentist will create small incisions in the gums before inserting the implant post into the jawbone. Subsequently, the dentist will install the abutment and then cover it with a temporary crown or denture.
What Happens After Dental Implant Surgery?
After the implant surgery, you will likely experience some discomfort and swelling in the area around the implant. This is normal and can be relieved with an over-the-counter pain reliever. You may also have slight difficulty speaking or eating as your mouth adjusts to the new teeth. Antibiotics may be prescribed by a dentist to reduce the risk of infection.
The Different Types of Dental Implants Available
Three primary types of dental implants exist, including:
- Endosteal implants:
Endosteal implants are frequently used and placed within the jawbone, resembling small screws or cylinders.
- Subperiosteal implants:
Subperiosteal implants are positioned atop the jawbone, yet under the gum tissue. They come into play when there is insufficient healthy jawbone to support endosteal implants.
- Zygomatic implants:
Zygomatic implants are longer than other types of dental implants and are used when a patient has insufficient bone in the upper jaw. These implants are placed within the cheekbone rather than the jawbone.
Other Types of Dental Implants
In addition to the three main types of implants, there are also several other types. These include:
- All-on-4 Implants:
Also known as full arch implants, these are used when all the teeth in a jaw have been lost or severely damaged. These implants are placed in a way that maximises stability and support for the entire arch of teeth.
- Mini Implants:
Also known as miniaturised dental implants, these are used to replace a single missing tooth or several consecutive missing teeth. They are smaller than traditional implants and require less bone material for placement.
- Implant-supported Dentures:
These are dentures that are secured with dental implants, providing increased stability and comfort.
Possible Side Effects and Risks Associated with the Procedure
As with any surgical or invasive procedure, dental implant surgery carries some risks and potential side effects. These can include:
- Infection:
Infection is the most common side effect of dental implant surgery and can be caused by bacteria entering the surgical site.
- Nerve damage:
If the implant or abutment is placed too close to a nerve, it can cause harm to the nerve and result in pain, numbness, or tingling in the area.
- Implant failure:
Although dental implants generally have a high success rate, there may be isolated cases where the implant does not fully integrate with the jawbone, leading to failure and the possibility of requiring additional surgery.
Selecting a certified and competent implant dentist and adhering to aftercare guidelines can diminish the risk of related complications.
Tips For Caring For Your Dental Implants
Proper care of dental implants is crucial to maintaining a healthy mouth. For optimal results, it’s essential to adhere strictly to your dentist’s instructions. Here are a few tips for maintaining healthy dental implants:
- Brush and floss twice per day:
Making sure you brush and floss regularly can help prevent plaque buildup around the implant area and reduce the risk of infection.
- Avoid hard foods:
Avoiding hard or crunchy foods can help protect your implant from damage and keep it strong.
- Visit your dentist regularly for checkups:
Frequent dental checkups are key to maintaining the health and functionality of your implants in the long run.
- Quit smoking:
Tobacco usage has been associated with a higher likelihood of implant failure.
Is Getting Dental Implants Painful?
Getting dental implants is a major surgical procedure and can be painful. However, your dentist will use local anaesthesia to numb the area surrounding the implant, ensuring that you remain comfortable throughout the entire process. After the procedure, you may experience some soreness in the implant area, but this should subside within a few days. Your dentist may also prescribe pain medication to help reduce any discomfort.
The Cost of Getting Dental Implants
Dental implant costs can vary considerably based on the implant type, the number of teeth to be replaced, and other factors. Generally speaking, the average cost for a single dental implant starts at around $3,000. However, if you have several teeth to replace or need complex work, such as a bone graft, the cost could be much higher. However, it’s crucial to remember that dental implants are a long-term solution that can last for decades with proper care. And the benefits that come with having a confident smile and the ability to eat and speak comfortably are priceless. Just like any other major investment, seeking guidance from a dental professional to determine the most appropriate treatment plan and financing options is crucial.
Are Dental Implants Covered By Insurance?
Most insurance providers cover some or all of the cost of dental implants, but it is important to check with your provider before having the procedure. Some plans may require pre-approval for implants, and some may not cover certain types of procedures at all. Knowing your coverage will help you budget accurately for your implant treatment.
Conclusion:
Dental implants are a long-term solution to missing teeth, improving smile appearance, restoring oral health and enhancing the overall quality of life. By considering the benefits and risks of this life-changing treatment, you’ll be empowered to make an informed decision about whether it’s right for you.
At our practice, we can help you every step of the way, from pre-surgical consultations to aftercare instructions. We are dedicated to helping you get the smile you deserve and restoring your oral health. Contact us today for more information about dental implants and how they can benefit you!
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/dental-implant-surgery/about/pac-20384622
- https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/dental-implant