Dental Implants – What You Need to Know
A dental implant is a small titanium post that your dentist surgically places within your jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. Once inserted, the bone will fuse with it to create a strong foundation for your restoration.
Implants are an excellent option for patients who have lost one or more teeth. They look, feel, and function just like natural teeth.
What is a Dental Implant?
Dental implants are high-tech tooth replacement options that can restore a full set of teeth. They look, feel and function just like real teeth – and they can last a lifetime when treated correctly.
Implant treatment begins with a consultation, where your restorative dentist reviews your medical history and discusses your options. He or she will also give you an estimate of cost for your implant treatment and explain the details.
During implant surgery, your surgeon will administer local anesthesia to numb your gums and make a cut in your gums to expose your jawbone. They will then place a small, metal post – the equivalent of a tooth’s root – in your jaw bone.
The dental implant post will fuse with your jaw bone, forming a stable foundation for your tooth restoration. This process takes six weeks to six months, at which time your dentist will place a crown, bridge or denture. If your bone fails to bond sufficiently, you may need a bone graft before implant treatment can proceed.
Bone Requirements
In order for your implant treatment to be successful, there must be a sufficient foundation of bone present in the area where your tooth is missing. If this is not present, you may need to undergo a bone graft or augmentation procedure before your implants can be placed.
A bone graft is a natural substance that is taken from a patient or an animal, such as bovine or pig. It can be used to fill in empty spaces in the jaw after a tooth is removed and help your body build up the bone needed for implant placement several months later.
The amount of available bone required for implant placement depends on the size of your existing teeth and their position in the mouth. Your surgeon can determine if you have enough bone to place an implant by looking at your x-rays and taking measurements of your jaws.
Surgical Procedures
Dental implant surgery is a complex procedure. It involves surgically removing the tooth and its roots, then replacing them with a stable metal post called an implant. 북가좌동치과
The implants are inserted into the jawbone and become bonded to it. Small posts are then attached to the implants, which protrude through the gums and serve as anchors for artificial replacement teeth.
The implants are placed by a trained dental specialist. This requires specialized training because the implant is very delicate and must be placed precisely so that it heals properly.
The implantation process can take several months to complete. This is normal because it’s important for the gums and bone to heal properly before a prosthesis can be topped with a crown.
Recovery
The recovery process after an implant treatment is important in order for the artificial tooth to properly bond with your jawbone. Your dentist will provide you with post-operative instructions for your specific recovery needs.
You may experience some discomfort during your healing process. This is normal and should subside within a day or two of surgery.
A cold or hot compress can help ease inflammation around the surgical site to speed up healing. Also, you should drink plenty of water to keep hydrated and energized.
Once the swelling subsides, you should be able to start eating soft foods again. However, you should avoid chewing on the side of your mouth where your implant was placed for at least a week to prevent movement of the new tooth. 응암동치과
Your dental surgeon will provide you with an oral rinse that will help reduce bacteria and heal your surgical site. You should use this salty rinse four times per day to promote healing and keep your implant clean.