Missing teeth can cause discomfort and the shifting of teeth, which leaves your mouth vulnerable to dental diseases. There are many options when replacing a missing tooth, one of them being dental implants. A dental implant is metallic post inserted into the bone of the missing tooth and root, and then a crown can be connected to the top of the metallic post.
Dental implants can be your solution for missing teeth if you qualify for them. A dentist must first go over your dental history and evaluate any oral and medical issues. The implants may not be your solution if you have diabetes or smoke since these medical conditions prevent the dental implants from healing properly. Then your teeth and gums are inspected to ensure that they are healthy enough for the dental implant. Lastly, your bone is evaluated to ensure the stability of the metallic post of the implant. Usually x-rays are taken to inspect the health and condition of teeth in the area around where the dental implant is required. The x-rays also show your dentist to the placement of the teeth where a tooth is missing and ensures room for the metallic post. Occasionally, a patient requires bone grafting, the addition of bone to increase bone volume, in order to receive a dental implant. If you pass all the evaluations, your dentist will give you an appointment for dental implant surgery.
The surgery to insert the dental implants is very simple and can be done in one visit after your evaluation. You may choose to stay awake during the procedure or be put under a sedative. The surgery begins with the numbing of the area designated for the dental implant. Then the metallic post is inserted into the bone and gums. The dental implant is secured with self-dissolving stitches and an x-ray is taken to ensure the placement of the implant. After the surgery, your dentist will prescribe pain medication and antibiotics. Most patients describe little to no pain from this process.
The typical length of the treatment varies from two to three months and nine to twelve months. Bone grafting is a separate procedure and requires its own healing period. Usually, the patient is given time to heal after the placement of the metallic post before the placement of the crown. The crown is placed on top of the metallic post with connections at the top of the post. Once your crown is affixed, it will act just like a normal tooth and the patient can resume normal hygiene treatments.