Losing teeth may result from various reasons, and tooth decay is a major risk factor. You do not have to spend your entire life without teeth since dental implants provide you with a chance to replace those missing teeth and return your smile to new. Dental implants can be either permanent or temporary, depending on which type of dental implant you choose. At Dr. Emily Zaramella, DDS we provide restorative dentistry services to help restore your smile, including: dental fillings, dental crowns, dental bridges, dental implants, and root canals. We are always available for a consultation.
The First Step is Always a Dental Exam
The first step in any tooth restoration process is always a dental exam. We will schedule an appointment for you to come in and see one of our dentists so that they can examine your mouth, including your teeth, gums, and jawbone. We will check to see how many teeth you are missing, the location of the missing teeth, the health of your gums, and the strength of your jawbone. Your gums and jawbone need to be able to support a dental implant.
Factors That Determine Dental Implant Placement and Candidacy
There are some factors that can determine your ability to be a candidate for dental implants. In general, you must have good oral health as well as be in good overall health to consider undergoing dental implant surgery. Some people have the misconception that just because they have missing teeth that they can get dental implants right away. While most people can indeed become candidates for dental implants, there are sometimes steps and procedures that need to be taken beforehand to prepare you for this surgery.
Are Your Gums Healthy?
When plaque is not removed daily, it can quickly turn into gum disease. Although there is no pain associated with gum disease, it is not often noticed until there is a problem with tooth loss.
A condition known as gingivitis is the first step towards gum disease. With gingivitis, the gums will become very sensitive while brushing and flossing, which could cause them to bleed. Periodontitis is the second step of gum disease and involves the formation of tiny gum line pockets, which will catch food particles. Plus, the surrounding bone will become affected now.
Advanced periodontitis is the final step in gum disease, which causes significant damage to the tissue and bone surrounding the teeth. This will lead to tooth loss.
If you are suffering from gum disease, you may need to undergo a surgical treatment such as bone grafting before you can become eligible for dental implants.
Do You Have Sufficient Jawbone?
You can lose parts of your jawbone if you don’t have any teeth along that part of your jawbone. If you have had missing teeth along your jawbone for a while, you might notice that the tooth’s area has become smaller. That’s because your body believes your jaw doesn’t need as much bone mass, and it moves the bone to other places in your body. In order to get dental implants, you need to have a sufficient amount of jawbone to hold the dental implant.
If we determine that you do not have enough jawbone to support a dental implant after your initial dental exam, we may suggest a ridge augmentation or sinus lift, both of which can add the needed support back into your jawbone in order to hold a dental implant. After you have healed from the necessary procedures, we can begin discussing your dental implant options.
Why Opt for Dental Implants?
Dental implants become permanent over time since they are embedded into the gums. They, therefore, make you experience the feeling of having original teeth, which not only improves your appearance but also boosts your smile and self-esteem. Tooth loss can make it difficult to pronounce some words, but with dental implants, you can speak without any difficulties. Another benefit to getting dental implants is to improve comfort while eating. Dental implants return your bite force back to normal so you can chew your favorite foods again. Dental implants can last a lifetime, and for this reason are one of the best teeth restoration procedures.
Types of Dental Implants to Choose From
You can either decide on a fixed or removable tooth to place on your dental implant. The removable one, also known as an implant supported denture, comes with a plastic removable gum, and as the name suggests, is effortless to pull out when there is need. A fixed tooth undergoes cementing on the dental implant and does not pull out. This is the case with traditional dental implants. Dental implants can be single tooth implants, if you are missing only one tooth, or multiple tooth implants if you are missing several teeth.
What is the Dental Implant Installation Procedure?
It takes some time for the dental implant to take hold. Your dental implant is essentially your new tooth root. During the first visit, the dentist will expose the bone by cutting through the gums. The dentist will then drill the bone to install the implant metal. Dental implants are made out of a titanium post, which resembles a small threaded screw. You will need to wait for the implant and your jawbone to fuse together, a process called osseointegration. Osseointegration generally takes anywhere from three to six months to take place. The next step involves the abutment installation, where the dentist will place a covering, or connector, over the dental implant post. Atop of the abutment, the dental crown will be placed. The dental crown acts as your new tooth, and is the only visible part of your new dental implant.
Are Dental Implants Painful?
Some people might fear undergoing the dental implant process due to the amount of time it takes to complete, and the fear of pain.
You need not need to worry, as the dentist will numb your jaw near the area to be worked on in order to prevent pain. Depending on the type of dental implant you are receiving, we provide different sedation options for your oral surgery. After the procedure, you may experience soreness which you can curb with over-the-counter medicines. We will send you home with aftercare instructions.
How to Care for Your Dental Implants
Like any other dental procedure, an aftercare routine is a necessity to prolong the lifespan. You need to brush at least twice a day, floss, and observe a regular dental checkup routine. Other than that, there is no special maintenance or routines to follow. You will simply treat your new dental implants like you do your natural teeth. Your dental implants will look and function like your own teeth.
Who Should Get Dental Implants?
You need to have healthy gums and a healthy jawbone to be a candidate for dental implants. This is because they need support. Some underlying dental conditions should be considered effectively to avoid any possible risk.
If you are uncertain about where to get exceptional dental implants and other dental procedures, visit our dental clinic today at Dr. Emily Zaramella, DDS. We are happy to answer any questions you have and can be reached at 737-273-3303.
For more information, check out our Dental Implant FAQ
