Dental implants act as artificial tooth roots to support new replacement teeth. During the procedure, an incision is made in the patient's gum to expose the bone where the implant will be placed. We will then insert the implant and suture the gum around the implant post. In some cases, a temporary denture is used instead of replacement teeth.
"Dental implants act as artificial tooth roots to support new replacement teeth."
Following the surgery, the bone needs to heal around the dental implant. This process can take several weeks or months. Once it is sufficiently strong, a dentist can fit the permanent replacement teeth.
According to the Mayo Clinic, some extra steps may be necessary. For patients with weak jawbones, a bone graft may be needed to ensure sufficient strength. After the bone has healed, an abutment connects a crown or dentures to the dental implant.
Caring for dental implants is very similar to caring for natural teeth, especially if the replacement teeth are permanent. Brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash is necessary for maintaining proper oral hygiene with implants. Getting regular checkups and teeth cleanings at the dentist are important for taking care of replacement teeth.
"Caring for dental implants is very similar to caring for natural teeth, especially if the replacement teeth are permanent."
Dental implants may require extra cleaning to keep them in optimal condition. Removable, implant-supported dentures should be taken out at night and soaked in a denture solution.
Patients can also use an oral irrigator to help clean below and around the dental implants. This helps maintain optimal hygiene and prevents complications.
Following the procedure, it is common to have swelling and discomfort around the implantation site. Some patients may experience minor bleeding and bruising of the skin and gums in the treatment area. These side effects can be managed with pain medication and antibiotics if necessary.
"Following the procedure, it is common to have swelling and discomfort around the implantation site."
Patients can expect such side effects to subside after a few days. After receiving dental implants, it is best to stick to eating soft foods while the bone heals.
Most dental implant procedures use dissolvable stitches, so patients will not have to come back to get them removed. These stitches will usually fall out within seven to 10 days.
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Dental implants can be a good choice for many patients with missing teeth. Dental implants allow new teeth to feel, look, and function naturally. Here are some key benefits of dental implants.
"Dental implants allow new teeth to feel, look, and function naturally."
Dental implants act as tooth roots and stay firmly in place. This firm foundation makes them more comfortable than dentures and other replacement tooth options. Many patients report that implants feel similar to their natural teeth.
The stability of implants makes them effective for eating, talking, and cleaning. They function similarly to the teeth they are replacing. Less permanent options may interfere more with daily life.
Dental implants are one of the most permanent tooth replacement options. They can last a lifetime with good care. Additionally, fixed replacement teeth on implants do not need to be removed every day for cleaning.
Implant-supported replacement teeth look like natural teeth. The visible part of the dental implant is a cosmetic crown made from a composite material that is color-matched to the patient's tooth enamel. It can be hard to tell the difference.
During the procedure, an incision is made in the gum to expose the bone where the implant will be placed. The implant is then inserted and the gum is sutured around the implant post. Following surgery, the bone needs to heal around the implant, which can take several weeks or months. Once healed, permanent replacement teeth can be fitted.
Caring for dental implants is similar to caring for natural teeth. This includes brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash. Regular checkups and cleanings are important. Removable implant-supported dentures should be taken out at night and soaked in denture solution. An oral irrigator can help clean around the implants.
Common side effects include swelling, discomfort, minor bleeding, and bruising around the implantation site. These can be managed with pain medication and antibiotics. Patients should eat soft foods while healing. Most procedures use dissolvable stitches that fall out within 7-10 days. Following aftercare instructions helps the healing process.
Benefits include being comfortable (firm foundation, feels like natural teeth), functional (effective for eating, talking, cleaning), permanent (can last a lifetime with good care), and natural-looking (color-matched crowns that are hard to distinguish from natural teeth). They provide stability and don't need daily removal for cleaning.
On the day of the procedure, you'll receive local anesthesia or sedation. The dentist will make an incision in your gum, place the implant in the jawbone, and suture the gum around the implant post. The procedure typically takes 1-2 hours per implant. You'll receive detailed aftercare instructions and may be given pain medication and antibiotics.
Recovery involves initial healing (1-2 weeks) with swelling and discomfort, followed by osseointegration (3-6 months) where the implant fuses with the jawbone. During this time, you'll eat soft foods and follow specific care instructions. Once healed, the permanent crown or restoration is placed. Full recovery typically takes 3-6 months.
Bone grafting is needed when there's insufficient jawbone to support an implant. The procedure involves adding bone material (from your body, donor, or synthetic) to the jawbone. This creates a strong foundation for the implant. The graft needs 3-6 months to heal before the implant can be placed. It's a common procedure that significantly improves implant success rates.
An abutment is a component that attaches to the dental implant so a professional can place a dental crown to provide patients with an artificial, aesthetically pleasing and fully-functional smile.
Multiple replacement teeth that are fixed in place via attachment to dental implants, natural adjacent teeth, or a combination of the two.
A crown is an artificial tooth, usually consisting of porcelain, which covers the top of the implant to provide people with an aesthetically pleasing and fully-functional tooth.
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. Dental implants may be an option for people who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury, or some other reason.
Endosteal is a type of dental implant that a professional places in the alveolar and basal bone of the mandible that transcends only one cortical plate.
Eposteal is a type of dental implant that conforms to whichever edentulous surface of an alveolar bone is superior.
An implant-supported bridge is a dental bridge that professionals fix in place with the use of dental implants inserted in the jaw to create a sturdy set of artificial teeth.
Osseointegration is the process in which a titanium dental implant fuses with the surrounding bone over several months after an oral health professional places the implant in the jaw.
Literally "around the tooth"
Resorption is the process in which the body absorbs the calcium from the jaw since there are no tooth roots to cause the necessary stimulation and proceeds to use the calcium in other areas.
Transosteal is a type of dental implant that includes threaded posts which penetrate the superior and inferior cortical bone plates of the jaw.
Dental implants closely imitate the form and function of natural teeth. If you are missing teeth, this may be the solution for you. Call (626) 443-1000 to set up an appointment at myDentist El Monte and learn more about this procedure.