Between 2019 and 2020, dental implant procedures increased by over 6%. The number of dental implants could increase by 23% between 2020 and 2026. More people are choosing to restore their smiles with the dental implant procedure.
What exactly does the procedure entail, and how can dental implants benefit your oral health? Read on to find out!
After reading this guide, you can talk to your dentist to determine if a procedure for dental implants is right for you.
What Are Dental Implants?
Before we discuss what the dental implant procedure entails, let’s cover the basics.
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that look like screws. They’re surgically placed in the jawbone to replace one or multiple missing teeth. Your dentist will top the implant (abutment) off with a dental crown that looks and functions like your natural teeth.
Since they function like your existing teeth, they can restore your smile to help you avoid future oral health problems.
Your dentist might recommend you undergo the procedure for dental implants as an alternative to bridgework or dentures. However, you’ll need a healthy jawbone and enough space to qualify for the procedure.
Types of Implants
During a consultation appointment, your dentist will assess the condition of your jaw. This appointment can also help them determine what type of dental implant to choose. The two main types of dental implants are endosteal and subperiosteal implants.
Endosteal implants are surgically placed within the jawbone. Subperiosteal implants, on the other hand, rest atop the jawbone. Endosteal implants offer long-term benefits and are therefore the preferred choice between the two.
Your dentist might determine you only need temporary anchorage for your teeth instead. In these cases, they might recommend temporary mini dental implants. They can move your teeth into the proper position before they’re removed.
If you’re missing more than one tooth within a single arch, your dentist might recommend all-in-4 dental implants instead. This type of implant can provide additional stability.
Without an implant in place, the surrounding teeth will begin to move toward the gap. You could notice your teeth appear crooked as a result.
Don’t hesitate to talk to your dentist about the implants dental procedure to determine if you’re an ideal candidate.
Benefits
Your dentist might recommend dental implants if you’re missing one or more teeth. They might also replace a cracked or severely broken tooth with an implant to improve your smile.
If you have gaps between your teeth, the surrounding teeth will lean toward the gap to fill the space. You could struggle to chew certain foods. You might feel self-conscious about the appearance of your smile if your teeth are crooked, too.
Neglecting to thoroughly chew your foods because of tooth pain can cause digestive issues. You might also develop a lisp if your teeth aren’t in the proper position.
Dental implant procedures can benefit the appearance and functionality of smiles. You can avoid complications with your oral health while feeling confident in your renewed appearance.
Before the Procedure
First, schedule a consultation appointment with your local dentist. They’ll determine if you’re an ideal candidate by performing a comprehensive exam. They might need dental X-rays to assess your jawbone’s health, too.
Then, your dentist will walk you through the procedure.
Make sure there’s someone available to drive you home on the day of the procedure. Your dentist might use IV sedation during the surgery. If you’re under sedation for the procedure, don’t eat anything after midnight the evening before.
Before the procedure, talk to your dentist’s office about the cost. One implant usually falls between $1,000 and $3,000. Costs can vary based on your insurance coverage and location.
During the Procedure
During dental implant procedures, a surgeon will begin by numbing the mouth using local anesthesia or sedation.
In some cases, the surgeon will need to remove a damaged or partial tooth first. Once the area is clear, they’ll make an incision in the gum line. After surgically placing the implant, they’ll close the gums and give you time to heal.
This healing process, called osseointegration, can sometimes take as long as six months. Your dentist can give you a more accurate treatment timeline. Everyone heals at different rates, though.
Osseointegration ensures the implant is stable before the dentist places the crown.
Once osseointegration is complete, you’ll schedule a follow-up appointment. The dentist will custom-make your replacement tooth to ensure it matches your existing teeth. Then, the surgeon will attach the crown to the abutment.
Once they’re done, you can start showing off your beautiful new smile.
Aftercare
You might feel a little pressure during the procedure. Once the anesthesia wears off, you might feel slight discomfort. Let your dentist know right away if you experience any pain symptoms, though.
Make sure to follow your dentist’s aftercare plan.
For starters, try to avoid putting pressure on the implant in the week after the procedure. To avoid unnecessary pressure, stick to soft foods. Consume soups or smoothies in the week following the surgery.
Make a note of any swelling, bruising, or bleeding you experience. Talk to your dentist about over-the-counter medications you can take to minimize pain symptoms, too.,
Follow up with your dentist to ensure the surgical site is healing properly.
Otherwise, maintain proper oral hygiene. Brush twice a day and floss daily to maintain your beautiful new smile. Schedule routine check-ups with your dentist, too.
Schedule Your Dental Implant Procedure for a Stunning Smile Today
Don’t let a gap in your smile impact your appearance. Instead, talk to your local dentist about the dental implant procedure. Receiving a dental implant can restore your smile for stunning results.
With this procedure, you can grin and show off your smile with the utmost confidence.
Want to talk to your local dentist about dental implant procedures? We can’t wait to see you.
Contact our offices today to learn more.