Are you missing one or more teeth? You might fear that your only options are dentures, but thanks to modern technology, there have been major advancements for dentistry in recent years. Imagine new, natural-looking teeth that won’t fall out when you talk or eat: that’s the beauty of dental implants. They can even replace a full set of teeth. In this post, we’re going to cover the advantages of dental implants, and how they are installed.
Why Choose Dental Implants?
People seek to replace missing teeth for different reasons. They may want to restore the functionality of their teeth, improve their confidence, or prevent future oral health issues. When it comes to artificial teeth, there are several options for patients, including dentures and bridges. But patients tend to prefer implants because they do not come with the same issues that other options do.
One of the main concerns people have when getting dentures is that it allows the jawbone to deteriorate. Since dentures sit on top of the gums, they don’t stimulate the jawbone when you eat, which leads to degeneration; this can cause changes in facial structure. It also diminishes the jawbone’s ability to support other teeth. With dental bridges, there is another issue: to secure the artificial tooth, the surrounding teeth need to be ground down and capped with crowns. This damages the patient’s natural teeth.
Since dental implants are secured into the jawbone and do not damage the surrounding teeth, these issues are not present. All a dental implant requires is a strong bone structure to support the post. Bone grafting may be required to further strengthen it so that the implant can be adequately supported.
Getting Dental Implants
Dental implants are not installed in one appointment; rather, the procedure is spaced out over several weeks or months. The decayed tooth must be extracted before the dental implant can be inserted. In the initial appointment, the patient is given a local anesthetic. The dentist drills a hole into the jawbone. There, they insert the metal post, which is typically made of titanium. A temporary tooth is placed while the incision site heals; this can take anywhere between a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on the health of the bone. Time is necessary for the process of osseointegration, where the dental implant and the jawbone grow together and become integrated.
When the healing has been completed, the patient is ready for the artificial tooth. A screw is attached to the post, which acts to secure the replacement tooth in place. The dentist will take impressions of your bite and observe the surrounding teeth so that the artificial one fits perfectly. Then, a crown is placed on top of the screw. This makes the tooth look completely natural and function just as the surrounding teeth do.
Dental implants are permanent, but only if they’re looked after properly. To promote the longevity of dental implants, they must be taken care of like natural teeth. Avoid chewing hard foods like candy, tough meat, or ice. Wear a mouthguard if you suffer from bruxism and limit your intake of teeth-staining beverages like coffee and red wine.
For a procedure as delicate and complicated as dental implants, you need a knowledgeable team with years of experience. EK Dental provides dental implants in Winnipeg for a single tooth or a full mouth replacement. Call us today to schedule your consultation and regain your beautiful smile.