Missing teeth can alter your bite, change your face shape, and have an impact on your dental health. They can make you doubt your smile as well.
If you want a tooth replacement, your dentist could suggest dental implants to fix teeth in or close to the jawbone.
Dental implants are a type of restorative dentistry that entails surgically implanting the artificial tooth roots into the jawbone. The implant is held firmly in place over several months by the bone surrounding it, which develops. The gap is then filled with prosthetic teeth connected to the implant using a metal connector.
Types of dental implants
There are two types of implants:
- Endosteal implants
- Subperiosteal implants
The most typical kind of implant is endosteal. Each one can support one or more false teeth and is implanted into the jawbone by a surgeon.
A surgeon fixes a subperiosteal implant to the jawbone. Dental experts advise using this technique for patients with low jawbone height.
Process of Dental Implantation:
Getting a dental implant requires several stages and can take three to nine months. You could need the expertise of several different implant specialists, like an oral surgeon and a periodontist, before your treatment is complete.
Evaluation
Your dentist will first assess your teeth, gums, and jawbone to see if you are fit for an implant.
Insertion of the Implant
In the event of an endosteal implant:
- Slicing the gum will reveal your jawbone.
- The dentist will then bore holes into the bone, and the implant will be placed into these holes.
- If you prefer, you can cover the gap with a removable denture for aesthetic reasons until the permanent tooth gets fixed to the implant.
If you have a subperiosteal implant, the implant post will be positioned on or above the bone rather than drilling a hole in your jawbone.
Osseointegration
It may take two to six months after the dental implant has been inserted for sufficient new bone to form around the screw. Osseointegration, which translates as “combining with the bone,” is the name of this process.
How Long do Dental Implants Last?
Generally, the treatment lasts for about 20 or 30 years. They are made to be a long-term remedy for tooth loss. However, the longevity of your teeth will be influenced by how well you maintain your dental hygiene and teeth care.
The Cost
The cost of dental implant surgery depends upon:
- The necessary implant types and numbers.
- Where the implants are inside the jaw.
- Whether any more procedures are required to get the mouth ready for surgery?
The price of implant surgery can be estimated by a dentist or other oral health expert during the examination.
The Aftercare
After the procedure, you must adhere to an appropriate dental care regimen. Only drink cold beverages, and wait to eat until the anesthesia has faded. For the first day, avoid hot drinks and meals, and don’t “swill” fluids in the area. Avoid poking or touching the region with your fingers or mouth.
How to Clean Dental Implants?
- Use a toothbrush with gentle bristles to clean at least twice a day.
- Make use of gentle toothpaste.
- Clean the area around and under the implant crown.
- To clean confined spaces, use an interdental brush with a nylon coating.
- Use unwaxed floss or floss designed for implants to floss every day.
- Utilize an oral irrigator, as advised by your Tupelo dentist.
Final Thoughts
In all, an implant is one of the most popular dental restorative therapy for restoring damaged or missing teeth. They are made to last for many decades and have a natural appearance. Consult your Tupelo dentist about your tooth replacement choices and other dental care tips if you have any missing teeth.