Did you know that dentistry is one of the oldest careers, going back to 7,000 BC in the Indus Valley Civilization? Are you needing to head to the dentist for dental implants but want to understand more about the process?
In this article, we here at Harrow Dental Practice will walk you through all about dental implants, the different kinds available, and how long they last. Read on to discover why many are making the choice to say hello to implants to have their beautiful smile back!
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a replacement for teeth that are missing. They’re a good foundation for either removable or fixed teeth. High-quality dentists will always try to make your dental implants resemble your other teeth as much as possible.
Dental Implant Benefits
There are various benefits including easier eating, an improvement in appearance, comfort, and self-esteem. Dental implants are an improvement to your oral health as well since they don’t require supporting teeth as bridges do. Your other teeth won’t need to be altered to support your implant as bridges do.
Convenience
Another reason patients love their implants is the convenience of them. You don’t have to worry about removing dentures or messy adhesives.
Bite Force
Since a tooth implant goes into where your tooth was before, this allows you to maintain the same bite that you had previously. Other replacement options won’t be as effective in restoring your tooth’s bite. This is due to them not being placed into your jaw.
Prevents Bad Changes
Having your teeth helps keep the facial structure of your face. When teeth are lost, it causes your face to lose the support it needs.
This can cause you to appear older than you are. Implants are similar to your natural teeth as far as support, and can help prevent it from changing its shape.
Natural Speech
Dentures can negatively impact your speech. Implants will allow you to have a more normal speech pattern.
Dental Implants for Seniors
You might be wondering if dental implants are the right choice for seniors, the answer is yes! Whether you’re 95 or 25, you deserve a smile that you love and will offer you more convenience with eating and comfort.
Instead of dentures which can cause more tooth and bone loss, choose implants. Dentures become loose over time which can make eating uncomfortable since your gums are sore from wearing the dentures.
There’s no such thing as too old for implants. Why suffer from trouble speaking and eating? You deserve to spend time with family and friends, and not feel uncomfortable.
Full Mouth Dental Implants
If you have most or all of your teeth missing, full mouth dental implants might be a great option for you. First, your implants will be placed in your jawbones, and they’ll act as a root replacement.
Why Full Mouth Dental Implants Might Be Right for Me?
Your dentist might recommend full mouth dental implants if they believe you’ll take good care of your oral hygiene after a procedure. Proper cleaning and flossing are vital after implants, you treat them like your other teeth.
You might be experiencing edentulism which means all of your natural teeth are missing. This is a way to ensure that you have a natural and beautiful smile.
Do you have bad or missing teeth? If your teeth are extremely damaged, your dentist might recommend full mouth dental implants as well.
How Long Does a Dental Implant Procedure Take?
Dental implants can be done in 4 appointments. For the first appointment, you come to Harrow Dental Practice in Hornchurch, Essex, for a consultation. You’ll meet the prosthodontist and cosmetic dentistry team.
The next visit to Essex you’ll receive the abutment and dental implant in place. Extractions can be done the same day as well. You’ll receive a temporary crown to allow your mouth to heal before receiving your replacement tooth.
The healing process can take between 8-10 weeks. This is important to ensure that your jaw bone is strong enough to hold your implant.
Visit 3 you’ll have impressions taken in our Essex office. This is so that you can have your dental crown fitting in your mouth properly. The dental crowns will match your other teeth.
Visit 4 will be your final fitting. You’ll have your brand new tooth/teeth in place.
After this appointment, you’ll want to visit your dentist for regular appointments to make sure you take care of your teeth properly. Dental hygienists are important as well.
Dental Implant Problems
As with any procedure, there’s a risk of dental implant problems. To minimize this risk, ensure that you go with a high-quality dental office that you can trust with plenty of experience, and who will use the proper equipment necessary. You’ll also need to take proper care of your dental implants as your other teeth to avoid other problems from surfacing.
1. Loose Implant
When the bone doesn’t fuse and grow with the implant, a loose tooth can occur. It’s known as osseointegration failure. Osseointegration is the process where the dental implant fuses with the bone.
If the process doesn’t happen properly, it can cause problems. The implant can fall out, become loose, or become uncomfortable.
Bone loss after an implant is another reason for a loose implant. Some bone loss is normal over the years, but it shouldn’t be enough to affect your implant.
2. Infection
In order to reduce your risk of an infection, take proper care of your gums. If you’re not sure about the proper way to brush or floss, speak with your dentist and dental hygienist who can help guide you.
If you have a bacterial infection in your gum you might need antibiotics to treat it. If it’s in the bone that may require removal of the infected bone tissue.
3. Nerve Damage
Choosing a high-quality dentist is vital, especially with avoiding nerve or tissue damage. Damage can lead to a decline in your quality of life. If you notice any nerve or tissue damage, get help straight away.
4. Peri-Implantitis
Peri-implantitis can take 5 years to cause symptoms. You might notice swelling or bleeding around the implant’s site. It’s due to chronic inflammation at your implant.
5. Sinus Issues
Sinusitis is a problem that causes swelling of the sinuses. Some symptoms are a blocked nose, bad breath, a toothache, sinus headaches, etc. This is a less common issue that’s found.
Avoiding Dental Implant Failure
First, take great care of your teeth and eat healthily. Fizzy drinks, junk food, and sugar can lead to tooth decay. Ensure that you have plenty of fruit and vegetables in your diet.
If you have a medical condition, speak with your doctor before starting dental implant treatment. Avoid smoking since that can cause infections, inflammation, and failure.
Make sure that you floss and brush everyday. Brush at least twice a day, and floss once a day.
How Long Do Dental Implants Take To Heal?
The healing process can take time, and varies from person to person. It’ll depend on whether you needed bone grafting, and if there’s a sinus lift involved.
Bone grafting is performed when there’s not enough bone height necessary for the implant. It usually takes about 6-8 months for implants to fully heal.
How Soon After Tooth Extraction Can You Have an Implant?
The good news is an implant can be fitted on the same day as your extraction. You’ll receive a temporary crown until your permanent crown is made and ready to be placed.
How Long Do Implants Last?
Correct aftercare is important to have implants long-lasting. To maintain long-term health of implants, keep your regular checkups with your dentist and dental hygienist.
Maintain excellent hygiene. Be mindful of what you’re eating and drinking throughout the day.
Are Dental Implants Painful?
There’s little to no discomfort during the procedure. Much less pain is involved in an implant than an extraction.
Local anesthesia is also an option as well. After the procedure you can use over-the-counter medications to help with the pain. After the procedure you might notice some discomfort for a few days.
What Is the Success Rate for Dental Implants?
The good news is dental implants are highly successful, up to 98%. They can last for the long-term as well by following the proper care mentioned above.
Dentures vs Dental Implants
Dental implants are becoming standard procedure for many dental offices since they’re more convenient and comfortable. Speak with your dental office, and see if dental implants are an option for you. This will help prevent the jaw bone damage that dental implants can lead to.
Exploring Dental Implants Essex
Now that you’ve explored dental implants Essex, you should have a better idea if dental implants are right for you or not. Are you dreaming of having a smile that you’ll love?
Dreaming of having a youthful smile back again? Please visit this page for a free consultation today.