If you are missing teeth, you are probably wondering what you should do to replace them. For many people, dental implants are a viable option. This type of restorative dental treatment offers many advantages and can prevent serious oral health issues from developing.
Regardless of which route you choose, it is important to replace a missing tooth as soon as possible. In addition to negatively affecting the overall look of your smile, lost teeth tend to cause more and more problems down the road. They can quickly put you at risk for alignment concerns and bite formation issues. The newly developed gaps often cause other teeth to shift and become crooked or unevenly spaced. Crooked teeth can increase your risks for tooth decay while also causing dental or jaw pain.
When a tooth is missing, the surrounding teeth have to make up for it by withstanding the extra pressure exerted by biting and chewing. This can cause these otherwise healthy teeth to become damaged by chips, cracks, or breaks. In addition, missing teeth can also lead to speech and digestive problems. Dental implants help eliminate these risks by filling the gap with a permanent prosthetic tooth. The nature of the procedure also helps prevent bone loss while creating a very realistic and durable substitute.
Implants provide numerous benefits over other replacement options. However, the implant procedure is not a quick one. The total completion time varies based on different factors, but it averages between seven and 12 months.
To determine if a patient is a good candidate for implants, the dentist performs an exam and will typically take X-rays to make sure there is enough bone density in the jaw to handle the implants. If you are deemed a candidate, the dentist will explain what to expect. Factors involved in the total process include:
This step is only necessary if someone has a damaged tooth that needs to be taken out first. If tooth removal occurs, the area needs to heal before the implant procedure begins, and this healing time may take a couple of weeks.
This step is not necessary for everyone getting dental implants, as it is for patients who do not have adequate jawbone density. Synthetic bone material or bone from another part of the body is added to the jaw. The healing time for this is five to 12 months, and then the implant placement can begin.
Many patients begin the procedure at this step. The implants are titanium rods, and they are placed directly into the jawbone. This gives the artificial teeth a good foundation and allows for regular eating and speaking. After this step, the area needs to heal, and the bone needs to fuse with the implants, which can take between four and seven months.
After the implants have fused, healing caps are placed on top of the implants, right at the level of the gums. This area then must heal for up to two weeks.
Next, the cap is replaced with a metal connector called an abutment. This screws into the top of the implant and a temporary crown is attached to it.
After the placement of the temporary crowns, the permanent crowns are fabricated in a lab. This process may take two or three weeks. Once they are ready, these artificial teeth replace the temporary crowns. The permanent crowns may either be screwed or cemented on.
After this step, the patient is ready to enjoy the new teeth and smile. Proper home care is essential to make sure the implant lasts as long as possible. For many people, routine brushing, flossing, and dental checkups allow implants to last for decades and even a lifetime.
Getting dental implants is a popular choice for many people who want to improve their smiles. However, the procedure requires several steps and lots of time. If you are considering them, consult with your dentist and learn as much as you can about the process. If you are a good candidate for this type of treatment, you can enjoy many worthwhile benefits that can improve your oral health.
Request an appointment here: https://gallodental.com or call GDC Smiles at (770) 504-5725 for an appointment in our Gainesville office.
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