Implants

Restorative dentistry is the branch of dentistry dedicated to replacing missing teeth. In some cases, your dentist may recommend dental implants as part of your dental restoration process. Implants, which help maintain jaw stability for prosthetic teeth by inserting posts into the jawbone, can help your prosthetic teeth look and feel like real teeth. Basically, an implant is an artificial root meant to hold your tooth replacement in position.

If your doctor recommends dental implants, he will begin replacing your missing or damaged teeth by creating spaces in your jawbone for the implants. This procedure can be done under a local anesthesia. After the implants have been positioned, your dentist will close the gaps with stitches and your bone will be given time to heal and grow around the implant. The amount of time that this takes varies depending on where the implants are positioned. In the upper jaw, this process can take up to six months, while in the lower jaw, this process may take as little as three months. Once the bones have grown around the implant, your dentist will affix your artificial teeth, bridges or dentures.

Before surgery, you should tell your doctor about any medications that you may be taking. You should wear comfortable clothing so that you can be as relaxed as possible during the procedure, and you shouldn’t eat or drink for a few hours before the surgery. Remember, if you choose to be sedated for the procedure, make sure you have a ride home.

You can receive dental implants for a single tooth or for several, should the need arise. For a single tooth, the implant will be fitted with a crown. For multiple teeth, your doctor may recommend an implant-supported bridge. If you are missing all of your teeth, your doctor may recommend implant-supported dentures. This type of denture looks and behaves more naturally and tends to be longer lasting. In addition, implant-supported dentures can help preserve your jawbone and will better aid you in speaking and chewing. They are by far easier to maintain than conventional dentures.

Your doctor may recommend either a removable prosthesis or a fixed prosthesis. While a fixed prosthesis can offer greater stability for things like chewing, removable prostheses can be taken out for cleaning. You should discuss your options with your doctor to determine the best program for you.

There are many benefits to dental implants. They can make your teeth look much more attractive, and because they are more stable than alternative treatments, they allow you to eat and speak comfortably. More than conventional dentures and other reconstructive treatments, dental implants function like natural teeth. They do not require the mess of glues and cleansers that conventional dentures do. Most important, however, is the fact that dental implants can help prevent bone loss and gum recession, and they do not require any alteration in neighboring teeth, so they help maintain the overall quality of all of your teeth.

If you have implants and you experience jaw pain or an awkward bite or if it feels like you have loose implants, contact your doctor.

Remember to brush and floss regularly to keep your teeth and your dental implants clean and healthy. An additional benefit of dental implants is that you can floss using regular dental floss, just as you would with natural teeth. Many alternatives, such as conventional bridges, need special appliances to maintain proper dental hygiene.