What do You Understand by a Dental Implant Procedure?

A dental implant is a procedure wherein an artificial tooth is placed to replace a missing one. You should understand the subtle difference between a denture and a dental implant. Dentures are artificial teeth that can be removed easily, whereas dental implants are actual foundation spots, where the artificial teeth are placed upon. The artificial tooth is aligned to your jawline using a series of procedures. With this explanation, you may understand the meaning and definition of what a dental implant is all about.

A More Detailed Overview of Dental Implants

A dental implant looks like a screw. This is a piece of metal that emulates the shape of a screw. You place it inside the jaw where the missing tooth’s roots were. And over time, the bone grows surrounding the implant. Therefore, you can say that the implant helps keep the new bone or tooth line in its place.

Once the screw type implant is fixed, you then have an artificial tooth or crown attached. The process replaces the missing tooth. Dental implants also help you keep dentures or bridges in place.

Requirements for a Dental Implant Procedure

Are you suitable for having a dental implant done? You can fit in artificial teeth to replace the missing teeth. But here is the catch. Dental implants aren’t suitable for all of you. Only if you fall under these criteria, are you eligible for having a dental implant procedure done? And these are:

• Presence of a fully grown as well as a healthy jawbone

• No gum diseases

• Not having diabetes or something as it can prevent sooner bone healing

You can have a detailed oral examination done. While the process is on, you can feel free to talk to your dentist. He/she will be able to determine if you need a dental implant or not.

Complete Procedure on How a Dental Implant is Done

Do you want to have a complete know-how on how a dental implant is done? Then refer to these bulleted points.

• The dentist will have X-Rays and scans done. These images precisely determine the area where the implant requires to be placed.

• This is a minor surgery you will have to put up with. The dental implant is incidentally placed into your jawbone.

• You will be given anesthesia so that you do not feel the pain, especially while the surgery is going on.

• Once the dental implant surgery is done, you will have to wait patiently. It may take a few months for the bone to grow back normally.

• After a few months, you will be scheduled with a visit to the dentist. He checks whether the implant remains stable or not.

• This way, you create a new foundation where the missing tooth can be replaced with a new one.

• The dentist then creates a mold for your mouth. The artificial teeth are placed upon the missing set of teeth.

• This is invariably the last and the final step. The artificial teeth or crown is finally cemented into the foundation.

The dental implant procedure is, therefore, a slow process. You may need multiple visits to your dentist. At each visit, minor surgery or operation may be required. X-rays and scans are also done at regular intervals. Henceforth, you need to put up with a high level of patience or perseverance to have a successful dental implant done.

After the Dental Implant

You might be curious to know what springs up immediately post a dental implant. Post series of minor operations or surgeries, you may experience

1. Bruising

• Swelling of gums

• Swelling of face

• Blood oozing out from your gums, etc.

Your dentist may ask you to eat soft foods, preferably mashed rice, or something easy to eat. This way, you do not put additional pressure on the jawbone or bruised teeth. You mainly need to allow the dental implant site to heal. Here, comes the good news as well. You do not have to put extra efforts or take special care post an implant. You will just be advised to keep your natural cum artificial teeth clean. How do you do this? By brushing or flossing every single day. Follow the prescribed medication instead of OTC (Over the counter) drugs.

Risks Connected with a Dental Implant

Dental implants are extremely successful. As surgery is performed at every stage, the dentist will, therefore, tend to work on your teeth meticulously. However, there are risks or side-effects post an implant. These are:

• Sinus trouble

• Infection

• Nerve damage and

• Consequential damage or injury to surrounding teeth, or even blood vessels.

Replacements Over Dental Implants

Dental bridges or dentures are simple and inexpensive alternatives over having a complete dental implant done.

Cost of an Implant

Dental implants are highly expensive. It can wipe thousands of dollars from your card or bank account. Hence you can ask your private insurance company if it covers a reasonable portion of the implant cost. If so, how much will the insurance company pay you!

You have learned the thorough know-how on a dental implant procedure. Now, let us unveil some general guidelines about teeth maintenance.

• Brush your teeth twice every day. Once every morning and then at night.

• Brushing, flossing, and tongue cleaning should be made a part of your routine. You can learn the brushing or flossing techniques from your dentist.

• Never drink sodas or chocolates early in the morning. Drink freshly prepared juices.

• Tend to put in lesser sugar into your tea/coffee. Sugary substances can be the breeding ground for bacteria to cause tooth decay.

• Take chips or fried substances, along with food. Avoiding deep-fried foods can be even better. The fragmented particles of chips tend to get in between two consecutive teeth. Gaps can, therefore, be created.

• High carb foods like pizzas, burgers, or white pasta can induce additional pressure on your teeth. Your teeth find it difficult to masticate this type of food. Having a bowl of dry fruits or fresh fruits can do you a lot good.

The dental implant procedure is a must when you need to replace a missing tooth with an artificial one. At WhiteSmile, we help our patients maintain excellent oral health and strive hard to create stunning smiles. We provide various dental care services at technologically advanced dental clinics, and the procedures are performed by licensed, well-trained dentists, and assistants. Call us today to fix an appointment.