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Dental Implants 101 Introduction

Dental Implants 101 – With advancements in dental technology, dental implants have emerged as a preferred solution for individuals facing tooth loss. Whether it’s due to an accident, decay, or just age, dental implants offer a long-lasting and natural-looking alternative to bridges or dentures. If you’re considering this procedure, here’s everything you need to know.

dental implants model

What Are Dental Implants?

At its core, a dental implant is a titanium post (similar to a tooth root) that is surgically positioned into the jawbone beneath the gum line. This allows your dentist to mount replacement teeth or a bridge into that area. An implant doesn’t come loose like a denture can. Dental implants also benefit general oral health because they do not have to be anchored to other teeth, like bridges.

vecro dental implants

Why Choose Dental Implants?

  1. Appearance: Dental implants look and feel like your own teeth. And because they are designed to fuse with bone, they become permanent.
  2. Speech: With poor-fitting dentures, the teeth can slip within the mouth, leading to mumbled or slurred speech. Dental implants allow you to speak without the worry of teeth slipping.
  3. Comfort: Because they become part of you, implants eliminate the discomfort of removable dentures.
  4. Easier Eating: Dental implants function like your own teeth, allowing you to eat your favorite foods with confidence and without pain.
  5. Durability: Implants are very durable and will last many years. With good care, many implants last a lifetime.

Dental Implant, Dental Equipment, Human Teeth, Implant, Installing

The Procedure: What to Expect

The process of getting dental implants typically involves multiple steps, including:

  1. Consultation: Your dentist will examine your mouth and take X-rays of your head, jaw, and teeth to find out if dental implants are right for you.
  2. Tooth Extraction: If the damaged tooth is still in your mouth, it will be removed.
  3. Jawbone Grafting: If your jawbone isn’t thick enough or is too soft, you might need bone grafting before you can have dental implant surgery.
  4. Dental Implant Placement: During surgery to place the dental implant, your oral surgeon makes a cut to open your gum and expose the bone. Holes are drilled into the bone where the dental implant metal post will be placed. Since the post will serve as the tooth root, it’s implanted deep into the bone.
  5. Bone Growth and Healing: Once the dental implant is placed, osseointegration (the process where the jawbone grows into and unites with the surface of the dental implant) begins. This process can take several months.
  6. Abutment Placement: After osseointegration is complete, you might need additional surgery to place the abutment — the piece where the crown will eventually attach. This minor surgery is typically done with local anesthesia in an outpatient setting.
  7. Artificial Tooth Placement: For individual teeth, the dentist custom-makes a new tooth for you, called a dental crown. The crown is based on size, shape, color, and fit, and it’s designed to blend in with your other teeth.

Male Dentist Explaining Tooth Implantation

Post-Procedure Care

Just like natural teeth, it’s essential to maintain good oral hygiene post the dental implant procedure. This includes brushing, flossing, rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash, and regular dental check-ups.

dental implant post procedure

Risks and Considerations

While dental implants have a high success rate, there are some risks. These include infection at the implant site, injury or damage to surrounding structures, nerve damage, and sinus problems. It’s crucial to discuss these potential risks with your dentist.

Cost and Insurance

The cost of dental implants varies depending on various factors, including how many teeth you need to replace and your insurance coverage. It’s important to consult with your dental office about the costs and your insurance benefits.

3d image of dental implant

In Conclusion

Dental implants have revolutionized the world of dentistry, offering a robust and permanent solution to tooth loss. Before undergoing the procedure, it’s vital to be well-informed and consult with a professional to ensure it’s the right choice for you.

For those in search of top-tier dental services, Mirilis DDS is the place to go. With a dedicated team of professionals and state-of-the-art facilities, you’re guaranteed a seamless dental implant procedure and post-care. Trust your smile with the best; choose Mirilis DDS.

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