Although most people would prefer to avoid it, the truth is that many adults will lose at least one – if not multiple – of their permanent teeth at some point in their life. When this occurs, there are numerous problems that can occur, including gum and jawbone loss. Patients often lose self-confidence and self-esteem with tooth loss, and can even have their face shape be affected.
However, there are some permanent solutions available to you and others interested in receiving restorative dentistry. Thanks to advances in modern technology, dental offices like Colony Dental can now create long-lasting dental implants to complete a smile and reverse the effects of permanent tooth loss.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a permanent structure composed of two parts: a long titanium root and a synthetic crown. The root is installed directly through the gums and into the jawbone. On top of the root is part of a screw, which the crown can be connected to. The crown sits on top of the gums and functions like a regular tooth.
Together, the parts of a dental implant form a comprehensive and functional tooth that offers a number of solutions to the patient.
The Pros of Receiving an Implant
Dental implant solutions produce numerous benefits for the patient. First and foremost is the fact that you can once again use your mouth like normal, as the implant makes it easy to eat and speak. The implant also helps shape and exercise the gums and jawbone, strengthening the bone and helping reverse the process of bone loss.
Implants can also be used to support other dental appliances. Dental bridges, for example, or full sets of false teeth, typically require stable teeth that the appliance can be attached to. If someone who is missing all of their teeth doesn’t want to resort to dentures or a mouth full of implants, they can receive a couple and then have a bridge created to fill in the gaps.
Dental Implant Procedure
The procedure for installing dental implants can be considered minor surgery. The first step is to create an appointment with a dentist. The dentist will check your oral health and wellness and also take x-rays to determine whether the jawbone is thick and strong enough to hold the implants. If it is, the procedure can begin. If the bone is too thin or weak, the dentist might recommend bone grafts using synthetic material to bolster the surface.
Once the mouth is determined to be healthy enough for implants, a mold is taken of any preexisting permanent tooth. The mold will be sent to a dental lab, where the implant will be manufactured to suit your mouth.
During the first appointment, the dentist might also recommend numbing the mouth to scrape and flatten the gums. This prepares the surface for the installation of the implants in two weeks.
Once the implants are ready, you return to the office. Anesthesia is used to numb the mouth, and the implant or implants can then be installed. Once finished, you might experience some dental implant problems like pain or swelling for a few days, but it will dissipate.
Dental Implant Problems
If a problem occurs after installation, it’s important to contact your dentist immediately to examine the site and see what the issue is. Some of the most frequent problems that arise are tenderness, swelling, bleeding at the insertion site, and infection. All of these can be treated quickly and easily.
If the body rejects the implant, it can be removed. In some rare cases, the titanium root might crack part of the jawbone, leading to excess pain and swelling. If this occurs, surgery can be performed to repair the jaw and make it suitable for a new implant.
Where to Receive Treatment
If you’re interested in a dental implant specialist near you, consider contacting Colony Dental today. The office provides high-quality dental implants to Sugarland, TX, and always puts patient care and comfort first. You don’t have to live your life with missing teeth.