Over five million teeth are knocked out in children and adults annually.
Have you had a close call or accidental loss of a tooth recently?
Losing a tooth may bring you a sense of dread, but you aren’t alone when thinking of damage to your teeth and jaw. This is such a crucial part of your day as you talk, eat, and smile. But a missing or decaying tooth doesn’t need to stay that way.
What Are Dental Implants? An Introduction
Have you ever asked your dentist what dental implants are? We are here to let you know about an oral surgery option to repair your pearly whites.
Continue reading below to learn about the types of dental implants.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a norm for having replacement teeth fixed to the gums. Dental implants are metal fixtures that dentists insert into your jawbone, under the gums, and fuse with the bone over several months.
This metal fixture then acts as the root of the missing tooth. Replacement teeth or bridges fit onto the metal piece, creating a realistic look.
Dental implants not only make for a natural look but also provide stability and comfort. The osseointegration, the fixture melding with the bone, allows for a firm foundation and grip for replacement teeth. The body recognizes implants as normal structures, as they’re often made from titanium.
Endosteal implants insert into your jawbone in either a cylinder or blade formation. This is the most popular type of implant. Subperiosteal implants rest on the jawbone and fuse with it over time, used if your jaw is not strong enough to withstand endosteal.
The best way to answer the question what are dental implants? They are your route towards confident smiles, speech, and eating habits.
The Process of Getting Dental Implants
Dental implants fasten to your jawbone through a surgical operation. The process includes several steps, including:
- Researching your local market to find the best dentist
- Going through consultation and having X-rays to check for the quality and quantity of jawbone area
- Extracting a tooth or teeth to remove any damage or decay
- Undergoing a bone graft to create a solid foundation for the implant with about six months of healing
- Returning for the implant and healing cap with another six months of healing
- Having a prosthetic piece, the abutment placed to act as a crown before adding the replacement tooth
This process can extend with other necessary surgeries, such as a sinus lift to give more jawbone area. However, it can also go quicker if a bone graft is unnecessary.
Proper anesthesia and sedatives ease the process and provide comfort. It is vital to give your mouth the healing time it needs between each step to ensure the best outcome.
How to Care for Endosteal and Subperiosteal Implants
Dentists will provide post-op instructions that you must carefully follow. You don’t want to endanger the area by not cleaning or caring for the implant.
Endosteal care includes brushing with silica toothpaste and thoroughly cleaning the prosthetic insert or abutment. Subperiosteal implants also need to be cleaned, but you may also need to eat soft foods during healing.
The most important notes in caring for your implants include cleaning and gentle movements!
Making the Best Decision for Your Teeth
Every jaw has different needs when needing to replace missing or destroyed teeth. Who’re the best individuals to answer the question: “what are dental implants?” Your dentist is, and they can discuss all your options, including dentures, bridgework, and implants.
Are you looking to make other changes for your well-being? Check out our blog posts to answer all your questions on health and fitness.