Young man holding cheek in chair at dentist, having toothache.
Dental implants are a popular and effective long-term solution for people who suffer from missing teeth, failing teeth, or chronic dental problems. They are artificial tooth roots, similar in shape to screws. When dental implants are placed in your jawbone, they bond with your natural bone, becoming a sturdy base for supporting one or more artificial teeth known as crowns.
The process of getting implants requires several visits to the dentist over several months. The initial step involves the placement of the titanium implant which is surgically inserted into the jawbone by an oral surgeon or periodontist. This procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia and most patients report that it’s less painful than a tooth extraction.
Once the implant has been placed, it must be allowed to heal and integrate with read the in-depth analysis next steps can occur. This process known as osseointegration can take anywhere from three to six months but is crucial for providing a solid support for your new artificial tooth just like roots do for your natural teeth.
After healing has occurred, an abutment – which serves as a connector between the implant and crown – is attached to the implant post. An impression of your bite will then be taken and used to create your crown which matches your existing natural teeth in terms of color and shape.
Finally comes fitting and placing of this custom-made crown onto the abutment. Once adjustments have been made ensuring that you can bite down correctly without any discomfort or unnatural feeling against other teeth – you’ll be able to use it just like you would any other tooth.
It’s important to note that good oral hygiene habits are essential in maintaining healthy implants just like normal teeth. Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste along with flossing once per day is recommended by dentists worldwide. Regular check-ups should also not be neglected since they allow dentists to ensure that both gums around implants stay healthy while also checking on overall oral health status.
Dental implant procedures have a high success rate and are known for their durability and longevity. With proper care, implants can last many years, even a lifetime. They provide an improved appearance as they look like your own teeth, enhance speech that may be impaired by missing teeth, and improve comfort since they become part of you eliminating discomforts of removable dentures.
In conclusion, dental implants offer not only an aesthetic solution to tooth loss but also functionally effective one. The procedure might seem daunting at first but understanding each step can help alleviate any anxiety or uncertainty tied to it. Dentists play a crucial role in explaining this process ensuring patients are well-informed about what to expect from start to finish.
