What to Expect with Dental Implants

If you are considering dental implants, it is important to understand what the recovery process will be like. Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth, but the recovery process can take some time. In this blog post, we will discuss what you need to know with dental implant surgery. So if you are considering this treatment, be sure to read this blog post. 

Why Some Adults are Missing Teeth

There are a variety of reasons why some adults are missing teeth. It could be due to gum disease, injury, or lack of care. Whatever the reason may be, it’s important that missing teeth are replaced. If left untreated, missing teeth can cause a number of problems. For one, it can make eating and speaking difficult. Additionally, missing teeth can lead to changes in your appearance, which can impact your self-confidence. Moreover, if left untreated, missing teeth can also lead to further dental problems down the road.

Dental Implants: What are They?

Dental implants are a type of artificial tooth replacement. They go into the jawbone to act as a replacement for missing teeth. Dental implants are made to look and feel just like natural teeth, which makes them a great option for people who are missing one or more teeth.

Understanding Dental Implants

Dental implants go surgically into the jawbone, where they serve as the roots of missing teeth. Mayo Clinic explains that because the titanium in the implants fuses with your jawbone, the implants won’t slip, make noise or cause bone damage the way fixed bridgework or dentures might. And the materials can’t decay like your own teeth that support regular bridgework can.

In general, dental implants may be right for you if you:

• Are missing one or more teeth
• Have a jawbone that’s reached full growth
• Are able to secure the implants or are able to have a bone graft due to adequate bone
• Have healthy oral tissues
• Don’t have health conditions that will affect bone healing
• Are unable or unwilling to wear dentures
• Want to improve your speech
• Are willing to commit several months to the process
• Don’t smoke tobacco

Types of Dental Implant Procedures

The American Academy of Periodontology explains that, depending on your specific condition and the type of implant chosen, your periodontist will create a treatment plan tailored to meet your needs. Here are some of the possible treatment plans depending on your situation:

• Single Tooth – If you’re missing a single tooth, one dental implant can take it’s place.
• Multiple Tooth – If you’re missing several teeth, you can fill the gaps with multiple dental implants.
• Full Mouth – If you’re missing all of your teeth, you can replace all of them with full mouth dental implants.
• Sinus Augmentation – A key to implant success is the quantity and quality of the bone where the implant will go. The upper back jaw has traditionally been one of the most difficult areas to successfully place dental implants due to insufficient bone quantity and quality and the close proximity to the sinus. Sinus augmentation can help correct this problem by raising the sinus floor and developing bone for the placement of dental implants.
• Ridge Modification – Deformities in the upper or lower jaw can leave you with an inadequate amount of bone in which to place dental implants. To correct the problem, the gum is lifted away from the ridge to expose the void where bone is missing. The void is then filled with bone or bone substitute to build up the ridge. Ridge modification has been shown to greatly improve the jaw’s appearance and increase the chances of successful implants.

What to Expect After Your Treatment

After your treatment, you will need to take care of your implants. This includes brushing and flossing regularly, as well as seeing your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. Additionally, you may need to avoid eating certain foods that can cause damage to your implants.

It’s important to note that these replacements are a long-term investment. They can last for many years, but it’s important to take care of them just like you would your natural teeth.

Contact Stonebrook Family Dental for Dental Implants

If you’re interested in learning more about dental implants, or if you would like to schedule a consultation, contact Stonebrook Family Dental today. Our experienced team will be happy to answer any questions you have and help you determine if dental implants are right for you.