Dental implants are tooth-like structures made from the titanium metal or its alloys. The implants are surgically placed into the jaw bone to provide firm support for artificial teeth installation. Their surfaces are covered with different substances to increase stability. Dental implants resemble natural teeth and stand on their own without interfering with the adjacent teeth. If you have suffered tooth loss in Florida, professionals at Pompano Beach dentist can fix the problem using different dental procedures, including the use of dental implants.
Below are the essential things you must know about dental implants:
Dental Implants Are Durable
After suffering a tooth loss and replacing it with a dental implant, you will not have to worry about the tooth cavity ever again. Though they do not decay, you must continue routine brushing and flossing using mouth wash to maintain good oral health and prevent bad breath. Another factor that makes the implants more durable than dentures is because they are made of titanium.
Implants Look and Feel like Natural Teeth
The only difference between your tooth and an implant is that the former is natural while the latter is artificial. In terms of appearance and feel, they are all the same. The feeling of being natural results from the fact that the dental implants are fused directly to your jawbone. Special care must be taken during the manufacture of the crown to make sure they look exactly like your teeth.
The Procedure Has Minimal Pain
It sounds quite painful to have a metal screwed in your jawbone. However, the procedure causes you very little pain, and its chances of success are sky-high. Depending on the complexity of your procedure and the number of implants you have, you can experience minimal post-operation pain. The good part is that you can manage this pain with over-the-counter painkillers.
What You Should Expect During Dental Implant Operation
The dental implant surgical procedure is done in stages, with healing breaks between these stages. To successfully fix a dental implant, your dentist will follow the procedure shown below:
- Removal of the damaged tooth
- Grafting of the jawbone if there is need
- Placement of the dental implant
- Bone growth and healing
- Placement of the abutment
- Installation of the artificial tooth
With the healing breaks in between the procedure, this process can take several months before it is over. Depending on how complex your surgery is, some of the above procedures can be merged and performed together.
How to Prepare for a Dental Implant Surgery
For you to determine an effective treatment procedure, you must consult with your cosmetic dentist. Early planning will help you to find the suitable procedure for your case, how much to pay for the operation, and how long you’re likely to take to heal. Your dentist will also examine your jawbone to know the best placement of the implant. The consultation appointment creates an open platform for you to ask any question that concerns your oral health.
What to Expect After Dental Implant Surgery
All dental surgeries come with some form of discomfort, which includes pain at the implant position, swelling and bruising on the gum and face, and minor bleeding. You can treat these discomforts using painkillers or antibiotics. Cosmetic dentists often use stitches that can dissolve on their own, but if they don’t, you must schedule an appointment with your dental healthcare practitioner to remove them.