When it comes to restoring lost teeth, many dental patients are looking for an option which has more longevity and security than the traditional denture or fitted bridge.
These prosthetics have indeed helped thousands of people to restore their smiles without too much hassle, but many patients often complain of their dentures rubbing against their gums, creating sore spots and ulcers. While a fitted bridge is less likely to move than a denture, they are attached to a neighbouring natural tooth, applying undue pressure to the enamel which can lead to breakages. Yikes!
Luckily, there is now a way to restore any lost teeth without concerns of gum sores or breakages- oral implants. Affixed to the jaw, dental implants offer a long-term solution for missing teeth, without the instability of dentures or the potential for damage that accompanies fitted bridges.
Searching online for a dentist near me that offers dental implants, you may be surprised to learn of the methods that surround successfully fitting oral implants. Here, a brief overview is provided to help you decide if having a dentist near me fit dental implants is the right treatment option for you. Enjoy!
Consultation
Before the dentist near me can fit your oral implants, they need to assess suitability.
A consultation will be performed, during which your oral health will be assessed; X-Rays will be taken and you will be asked about your lifestyle.
The X-Rays will determine if your jaw bone is dense enough to support traditional endosteal implants but if it isn’t, you may be offered a different type such as subperiosteal or mini-implants as an alternative option.
Fitting
The big day!
Your team will numb your jaw and make some minor incisions into your gum line to expose the jaw bone.
Small holes will be drilled in predetermined locations throughout your mouth, after which the implant will be fitted. Traditional implants resemble small titanium screws, and once they are secured in place, your gums will be sewn back together, supporting the implant.
In short, it will look like you have small, blunt screws protruding from your gum!
Aftercare
After the implants are placed, there is a wait; depending on the healing time, you will need to wait between 3-6 months for your implant to fuse with your jaw bone.
This is critical, as, without a stable base, the prosthetic tooth or teeth cannot be placed. During this time, you will need to visit your dental team for additional X–Rays to assess if the bone is fusing correctly.
Once your team is happy that the newly fitted implant won’t come loose, you will be able to have the prosthetic tooth or teeth attached, creating that gorgeous smile that you have been waiting for!
Be sure to maintain good oral hygiene once your implants have been fitted; gingivitis can cause the implants to loosen. Also, keep an eye on your lifestyle habits; smoking cigarettes and consuming excessive quantities of alcohol can also shorten the lifespan of your implants drastically.
DISCLAIMER
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.