Everything You Need to Know About Dental Implants
Losing your teeth can be tremendously traumatic. For some people, the shame and anxiety surrounding tooth loss can be all-encompassing and leave them feeling empty and anxious. So, what can you do to pull yourself out of the dark hole? Dental implants could be the solution you’re looking for.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are titanium fittings that can be drilled into the jawbone. Unlike other forms of tooth replacement, dental implants can be used as a permanent solution, so there is no need to worry about the prosthetic teeth falling out or having to remove your teeth before bed. If correctly looked after, dental implants can last an entire lifetime. Unlike other tooth replacement options, implants are the only system that also stimulates bone regeneration. It is very common in cases of tooth loss for patients to lose bone density, so make sure you are protected against further deterioration with a guard against further tooth loss. It is also very common for people to lose a tooth and then lose the teeth that sit on either side of that lost tooth as the bone isn’t being stimulated.
How do they work?
Once you’ve had the initial consultation with your dentist, you will need to have the implants and crown made to fit your teeth exactly right. If you are in a position to have the implants fitted straight away, then it’s just a case of waiting for the new fittings to arrive. If a bone graft is required, you will need to wait until the graft is completed and healed before moving on to the next stage of the fitting. The screw will be drilled into the bone and then left for a few weeks or months to fully heal before the crown can be fitted on top. How long the healing process takes is very much down to the individual and the dentist they are working with.
Post-surgery
The area will likely be tender and sore for a few days after the operation. Patients are recommended to take it as easy as possible. They should also be avoiding any foods that are particularly hard or chewy as such foods could cause disruption to the new implant. If over the next few weeks, the area doesn’t seem to be healing or begins to show signs of infections such as bleeding, redness, swelling or pus, you should seek advice from your dentist as soon as you can.
Maintenance
Although dental implants aren’t natural teeth, they should be treated as such. If they are neglected, they will quickly begin to show signs of deterioration in the same way that natural teeth would. Therefore, it is very important that the best practices concerning oral health are followed, as any signs of gum disease or decay could lead to the body rejecting the implant. Attending regular checkups is also very important; just because you have had a long-term solution fitted doesn’t mean you won’t run into new oral health problems.
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