Losing a tooth is an unpleasant experience, no matter what the circumstances may be. It is often painful. More than the pain, though, is the fact that even losing just one tooth can have negative effects on the way you eat and speak. Depending on the location of the tooth you lost, it may even affect your smile.
Luckily for you, there are now dental implants. They are one of the best replacement options for your missing tooth or teeth if you want a solution that looks and feels natural.
If this is your first time to get them, you naturally have a lot of questions, like “Are they a permanent solution?”, “Will it feel uncomfortable?” and “Does it require special maintenance?” that you want to be answered. In this post, Ivy Rose DDS, your trusted family dentist from Mansfield, TX, will share the basics about dental implants that you need to know:
What Are Dental Implants?
In most cases, dental implants are believed to be an ideal replacement for missing teeth. While dental cases vary from one patient to another, an implant can restore your smile and ensure that your oral health will not be put at risk.
A dental implant is a surgical procedure that involves attaching a metal frame to the patient’s jawbone. Once that’s secure, it will act as the anchor and hold the replacement artificial tooth or teeth in place. With the implants securely “screwed” in place, there will be no shifting of the teeth, and the patient can talk, eat, and smile with ease and confidence. This is a permanent solution to missing teeth but your dentist will have to check on it whenever you go for your dental visit to ensure everything is well.
Is It for Everyone?
Given its benefits, it would have been great if this solution was applicable to all patients, but unfortunately, not everybody is a candidate for implants. You need to have a strong jawline as well as healthy gums that can handle the procedure of placing the metal frame below the jawbone. It’s not an option for people whose jawbones have already shrunk or have never fully developed. If you belong in one of these categories, it’s possible that you’d have to undergo another procedure called bone grafting before the metal frame is inserted.
How to Care for Dental Implants?
The dental implants may be artificial, but they still need the same care as your natural teeth. That means you should still commit to your oral care routine. Brush and floss twice daily and visit your dentist regularly so they can assess your bite and ensure that your implants are still securely in place. You should take extra effort in caring for your teeth because they are usually not covered by insurance providers.
What’s the Process Like?
The dentist will perform an x-ray of your entire mouth area to determine if you are a candidate for dental implants. If you are, the dentist will schedule your appointment. The procedure starts with the placement of the implant into your jawbone underneath your gum tissue. This will be stitched after the implant is in place. You’ll have to wait for at least two months before the tissue heals, and only then will the second stage be performed. In this second stage, the dentist will attach the abutment to the implant, and finally, the artificial tooth is attached to the abutment.
Conclusion
Hopefully, the information you found here has answered some of your questions about dental implants. If you want to know if this is an option for you, it’s best to check with your dentist to have your case assessed. Note that not all clinics offer implants as one of their dental services, so make sure that you go to one where it is available.
Ivy Rose DDS is a reputable dentist in Mansfield, Texas, who offers dental implants as one of the dental services and solutions their patients can receive. Contact our clinic today to set an appointment!
