Find Out What Dentists Can Do for You

A Guide On Dental Implants

11 May 2023

Jackson Sims

Loss of teeth presents a wide range of risks. For instance, you could lose your ability to chew comfortably or experience esteem issues if the lost tooth affects your smile. Moreover, your jawline could shrink, and neighbouring teeth could get weak. So, how do you deal with teeth loss? Dental implants are a viable and permanent solution to the loss of teeth. Below is an extensive guide on dental implants. 

What Is A Dental Implant? 

A dental implant is a device designed to replace a lost tooth. An implant consists of three parts; the implant, abutment, and crown. Your dentist fixes the implant into your jawline. They then screw the abutment to the implant. This fixture supports the crown, restoring the functionality of the lost tooth. 

Who Qualifies For Dental Implants? 

The dentist examines your oral and general health before recommending dental implant surgery. For instance, they assess whether your jaw or surrounding area has injuries or infections that could complicate recovery. In most cases, the dentist recommends treatments before initiating the dental implant surgery. The dentist also examines your general health to establish whether you have conditions or medications that could affect your recovery. For example, dental implant surgery is not recommended for people with uncontrolled diabetes or those undergoing radiotherapy as a treatment for neck or head cancer. 

What Should You Expect When Receiving A Dental Implant? 

Preparation is at the heart of any successful dental implant surgery. Typically, your dentist performs detailed assessments before installing the dental implant. For example, they conduct an X-ray to establish whether you need a bone graft to give the implant a solid base. It happens when you have bone loss in your jaw. Once the dentist conducts the bone graft, you must heal before receiving the implant. In other cases, you might need to have your tooth extracted before installing an implant. 

The dentist uses local anaesthesia to prevent pain during the implant surgery. The first stage of this procedure is fixing the implant into your jaw. The dentist uses special tools to drill a hole into your jawbone to attach the implant. They then install a healing abutment and stitch your gum to accelerate the healing process. As you heal, the implant integrates with your jawbone, and you might need some follow-up appointments to ensure the area does not have any infection. Once fully healed, the dentist attaches the abutment and crown in a single appointment. 

For more information about dental implants, contact a local dental office.

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