Missing Teeth: Replacing Them is Easier Than Ever

I have always been an avid hockey player, and my love took a bad turn one day when I got struck in the mouth with the puck. It was a painful moment that left me with two teeth knocked out of my mouth. Had I taken the right steps after the accident, I could have possibly saved the teeth, but I did not know I had that option at the time. Thankfully, I worked up the courage to visit a dentist and ask what my options for teeth-replacement were. I was worried I would would have to live the rest of my life without smiling, but I was ecstatic to learn that I was the perfect candidate for dental implants. I created this blog to help others realize that there are so many options to replace missing teeth today that no one has to "just live with" an imperfect smile!

A 3-Step Guide To The Dental Implant Procedure

Dentist Blog

Have you ever considered dental implants to replace missing teeth but hesitated because you need more information? Once you understand the process of installing new dental implants, it's easy to see why they are a popular and long-lasting option. This guide will introduce you to the 3-step dental implant procedure.

1. Preparation

When you ask your dentist about dental implants, they will be able to tell you whether you are a good candidate for the procedure. Fortunately, the vast majority of people can have successful dental implant surgery. An important consideration for this procedure is the health of the jawbone. If the jawbone isn't dense enough, a bone graft may be required first to support the implants.

Factors like weight, age, and tobacco and alcohol use can affect your body's ability to heal after implants have been placed. Patients with symptoms of gum disease may need to undergo treatment and improve dental hygiene before implants can be installed. This is because inflammation of the gum and jawbone can prevent the implant from fusing correctly.

2. Surgery in Stages

The second phase of implant installation is actually performed in multiple stages of surgery across several visits. The first stage may be removing any teeth or partial teeth that are also going to be replaced. If this is not required, your oral surgeon will likely proceed to place the titanium implant root during your first visit.

The implant root fuses with the jawbone to create a permanent replacement for missing teeth. You will have follow-up visits to place the abutment and crown after your gums have healed around the implant root. The abutment is a small post that screws onto the implant root and sticks out above the gums. The crown is then installed on the abutment in what is usually the third and final stage.

Local anesthesia is most commonly used during each stage of the surgery, although many oral surgeons also have sedation anesthesia available. Your surgeon will need to know what medications you are taking if you choose sedation anesthesia so they can ensure there will be no reactions.

3. Recovery

After each stage of surgery, there may be mild to moderate irritation, bleeding, and swelling in the area around the implant. Swelling and pain may sometimes spread to the rest of the face. Your dentist may provide pain medication or may recommend over-the-counter solutions. They will also likely recommend that you stick to soft foods until the discomfort subsides. Be sure to maintain good dental hygiene to promote healing.

Dental implant installation takes multiple steps, but it is a simple and safe procedure. Talk to your dentist if you have other questions about dental implants and to find out if they are the right option for you.

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24 June 2021