More than 3 million U.S. people opt for dental implants annually! Do you know the reason behind such growing popularity? Unlike conventional procedures like dentures, crowns and bridges, dental implants offer a permanent and reliable solution to improve overall oro-dental health. Hold on – this blog will give a complete explanation of what a dental implant is and discuss the steps that constitute it in the following section. Read on to learn more!
What is Dental Implant?
Dental implants are specially crafted artificial roots that a dental surgeon places into the jawbone. They serve as a stable base for replacement teeth—an important solution for anyone who has lost one or more teeth.
The dentist will decide on the implant to be incorporated based on your dental condition and jaw health. This is because sometimes, people may face an allergic reaction, which delays the healing process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to obtaining dental implants.
- Initial Consultation
After visiting a dental clinic, your dentist or oral surgeon will examine your jawbone’s condition. This helps him determine an implant that suits the best for your teeth. The initial evaluation comprises X-rays and similar imaging procedures to help get impressions. Also, the doctor will match the colour of your teeth so your implant appears most natural.
Next, he will determine how many teeth you want to replace with implants. This may include additional planning with other dental specialists, such as periodontists. During the consultation process, your existing health conditions and list of medications will also be checked. If needed, the doctor may prescribe antibiotic medicines, too, especially to avoid infections.
2. Tooth Extraction
If you have a damaged tooth needing replacement, the dentist will straight pluck it off before starting the implant procedure. You can also get this done simultaneously when the implant insertion goes on. A tooth extraction is generally performed with anaesthesia to minimise the sensation of pain. Worry not – unless it is a fractured tooth, it will not take much time to replace. You may feel a little pull while the tooth is being extracted, but this does not persist for long. However, after the extraction, you must avoid blowing your nose too hard; smoking, spitting and drinking with a straw for such actions can create a dry socket that incurs subsequent pain.
- Insertion of Dental Implant and Bone Grafting
There are two major kinds of dental implants – one in which it is inserted into your jawbone and the other that goes directly within the gumline. Let’s discuss the first one in detail. The former needs strong and thick jaws to support the pressure that comes with chewing food. Also, this serves to protect the implant. However, if your jaws are weak, the dental surgeon will add some extra bone from other regions of your jaw (known as bone grafting). If such preparation is needed, you must let the bone heal first before the doctor can add the implant. Once the implant is employed, the jawbone starts to grow around it, slowly blending with the natural gum line. The recovery time generally differs from person to person and may take six months on average.
- Abutment Placement
Once your implant has become stable enough, the dentist will place an abutment over the implant. This piece helps connect the implant to the artificial dental crown. It must be tight so it does not get misplaced while eating. Before the dental surgeon puts the abutment, he will give local anaesthesia to prevent you from experiencing discomfort. Sometimes, it can be simultaneously placed while the implant is being incorporated. If it is visible, check with the concerned dentist to know how to mask it. Most dentists add a healing cap to maintain the tissue as well as the bone so they do not overgrow from the top of the abutment.
- Addition of the Permanent Crown
After your gums have healed, the dentist will make an artificial crown for your implant. You are free to choose whether you need a removable implant or a permanent one. Suppose you have multiple affected teeth at the back. In that case, it is best to opt for removable crowns so you can conveniently clean those hard-to-access regions. This is because removing an implant that has been permanently glued with super adhesives is impossible.
Choosing the Right Type of Implants: Must-know facts!
As mentioned above, there are several types of dental implants, each serving a specific purpose and treating dental conditions. Thus, it is crucial to understand each one so you can make a well-informed decision.
- Mini dental implants: As the name suggests, these are smaller in size and meant for narrow-spaced teeth. Moreover, the process is rapid and less invasive—perfect for those with low bone density.
- All-on-four implants: These help in extensive restorations, offering a complete tooth arch in just four implants. Not only do these mimic the natural look of your teeth, but they also provide a stable and long-lasting solution against tooth loss.
- Zygomatic implants: These are for individuals suffering from severe bone loss in their upper jaw. Zygomatic implants anchor into the cheekbone, thus preventing the need for bone grafting. Such an innovative technique presents several possibilities for patients previously considered unsuitable for dental implants.
How to maintain the efficiency of Dental Implants?
Choosing dental implants is not only a big decision but often challenging. They are expensive and come with a longer recovery time. Since, in most cases, the jawbone is required to get strong, you must be well aware of the possible consequences. Here’s a list of guidelines offered by the best dental implant clinics in London to help obtain a smoother process and enhanced efficiency.
- While you will not have a tooth until an artificial crown is incorporated, you must discuss temporary options with your dental surgeon, such as a retainer, dental flippers, etc.
- To alleviate the after-effects of surgery, you must avoid sugar-laden and hard foods, such as candies, walnut shells, popcorn kernels, etc. Stick to softer and gullible items such as boiled rice, mashed vegetables, and smoothies while your tooth heals.
- If you experience severe pain, swollen gums, and bleeding at the implant site, consider placing an ice pack on the cheeks outside the operated region.
- Do not smoke tobacco and drink alcohol, as these practices increase the chances of dental infections and may cause teeth staining.
- Maintain regular teeth hygiene by brushing, flossing, and rinsing the mouth with clean, lukewarm water. For better results, you can also add a pinch of salt while the water boils, as it helps kill potential microbes that may have built up.
Conclusion: Ready for Your Dental Implants?
Now that you are aware of the steps for a dental implant do not hesitate to take action if you have been suffering from tooth issues lately. Several private clinics offer affordable dental implants in London — you can book your consultation at any one!
