There is a lot to think about when it comes to dental implants. This tooth-replacement treatment is an effective way to revitalize your smile and restore the ability to chew. The process can take several months, and the recovery can be lengthy. As you learn more about this procedure, you can make the right decision for your health and appearance. You should also know how to care for and maintain the implants after the surgery.
Tooth loss can be an embarrassing situation. Having gaps in the mouth can cause a person to avoid opening their mouth or even being around other people. Implants give people a natural-looking way to overcome these concerns. Implants consist of three parts: a screw-like titanium post, a smaller piece called an abutment, and a crown. The crown will look like the remaining surrounding teeth in size, shape, and color.
Not only does an implant improve a person’s smile, but it also has health benefits. Implants allow the individual to bite into most foods and eat healthier foods. Implants prevent the loss of surrounding teeth. They are also strong and durable, lasting up to 20 years or more.
After taking X-rays and making impressions of the mouth, the dentist will numb the patient. The dentist then makes an incision in the gums and inserts the posts into the jaw. The patient must have good bone growth to provide stability for the posts. If there is poor bone growth or bone loss, the dentist will do a bone graft. After the posts are in place, there will be a period of a few months for the patient to heal.
The abutment attaches to the post and is visible just above the gums. The dentist must once again numb the patient and cut into the gums to expose the tops of the posts. The patient will spend the next few months healing before getting the crown. The dental crown fits onto the abutment. It looks like a natural tooth in size, shape, and color. It can also withstand the wear and tear of a normal tooth.
Once the dentist has placed the crown on the dental implants, there will be follow-up appointments. At these visits, the dentist will make sure the fit is comfortable. The dentist will examine the patient and check on the person’s recovery. The dentist can make any adjustments to the crown if necessary.
After the procedures, the patient must be cautious about eating certain foods. Implants allow the person to eat most items, but sticky, hard, and chewy foods can damage the crowns, abutments, or posts. Continual oral hygiene is important too. The patient should brush the crown twice a day. Daily flossing will also extend the life span of the dental implants.
With the right attention, your dental implants should work effectively for years to come. Your general dentist will also work closely with you. Together, you can ensure that you are getting the results you want. If you are ready to change your smile and improve your health, call your dentist today.
Request an appointment here: https://www.trivalleyimplants.com or call Gregory K. Louie DDS, PC at (925) 659-1142 for an appointment in our Danville office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Implants in Danville, CA.
Looking for information on dental implants? If you have suffered significant tooth loss, but not enough to need a complete arch replacement, you can get a dental bridge supported by dental implants. Implant-supported bridges can provide a reliable, functional, and long-term solution to tooth loss. Unlike traditional bridges or removable partial dentures, a dental implant-supported…
If you are missing at least one or more teeth, you may qualify as a candidate for dental implants. Dental implants are the best option for replacing missing teeth. Having missing teeth can harm your oral health, and untreated tooth loss can interrupt your chewing ability and even affect the structure of your mouth. If…
Many dentists refer to dental implants as the “permanent tooth replacement option,” and while this descriptor is not necessarily inaccurate, it is not completely true, either. The longevity of a dental implant depends on several factors, including a patient’s oral health, lifestyle habits, dental hygiene practices, and diet, to name a few. Patients who are…
When someone is missing teeth, a couple of replacement options include bridges and dental implants. These are common ways to fill in the gaps, but there are differences between the two. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, and it is important to understand them before making a decision.A bridge is anchored by the teeth on…
For tooth loss, going to a prosthodontist is a good choice for finding the right solution. Living with missing teeth can have negative effects. One may struggle with oral health issues and cosmetic concerns. The good news is there are effective treatments to restore your smile and the function of your mouth. Prosthodontists have the…
Dental restorative procedures like implant supported dentures can be a solution to partial or complete teeth loss. No one wants to lose a tooth, but you may experience it due to situations beyond control. In addition to transforming your smile, the procedure can boost your self-esteem and have your teeth functioning fully in no time.An…