From those who need it for medical purposes to aging movie stars and those in the public eye, many are now seeing dental implants as the best option when they begin to have long-term issues with their teeth that result in a pulling being the only option. Today’s artificial teeth look and feel like the real thing and are one of the newer options in a cosmetic dentistry market where the only choices used to be dental bridges or removable dentures. How do dental implants work, and are they the right choice for you? Read on to find out.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
Compared to Dentures
Dental implants are fused in the jaw bone, meaning that they last a long while and do not need constant replacement. Instead of constantly having to worry about how your dentures look and if they are staying in place, you can have the confidence and security of knowing that implants will not move throughout the day. Other advantages implants hold over dentures is that they cannot be misplaced, and you will not have to worry about constantly replacing them every few years as they start to wear down or begin to fit poorly.
Compared to Bridges
Unlike bridges which may need to be replaced several times over their lifespan, dental implants can last much longer and tend to look better aesthetically. They are also a great option for anyone who does not want to undergo surgery in their golden years. This is especially true at times when surgery may be contraindicated, as you will need several surgeries to have bridges installed.
How Are Dental Implants Installed?
Before the Procedure
Installing dental implants may not require surgery, but It can still be a process. First, you will need to undergo a complete dental exam—including X-rays and molds made of your mouth—so that your implants can have a perfect fit. You will then work with your dental provider to come up with the best treatment plan for you and your lifestyle. Your dentist will look at the condition of your jaw bone, consider how many implants need to be installed, and take a holistic approach to dental care.
Installing the Foundation
Once the initial procedure begins, you will be sedated and have local anesthetic applied. Depending on the type of sedation dentistry used, you may take a seat in the dentist’s chair and wake up to find that they are already done installing the base. Otherwise, you will be sedated but conscious and unable to feel the pain. During this initial procedure, your dentist will install long-lasting titanium metal to the jaw bones, which serves as a permanent foundation for the implants you will receive at a later date.
After your dentist finishes the initial procedure, they will give you care instructions including best brushing and flossing practices to avoid plaque once they install the teeth down the line. Because your new implants will have their own foundations, they can also mirror regular teeth very accurately. And unlike dentures, which often require the removal of additional teeth so you can make use of a full set, implants can be installed one by one as you need them.
Installing the Implants
You will be healed within several months, and the healing period lasts roughly that long. Once you are healed, your dentist will then install the implants themselves. These teeth can be made out of acrylic, nylon, or metal, and this is when the dentist will install the implant prosthesis or crown. They will also provide local and general anesthesia for this part of the process. Once this is complete, congratulations—you are now done!
Hopefully you now have a better idea of what to expect when getting dental implants installed as well as how implants compare to other types of cosmetic dentistry.
