Losing a few natural teeth can lead to severe complications. Firstly, there will be a sudden decline in bone mass, which can be detrimental to your oral health. You will also experience speech and chewing problems, and not to forget, the remaining teeth may shift out of position. Replacing lost teeth with dental implants is one of the best ways to restore your smile. If you are considering dental implants Carmel, NY, check more about the surgery, risks, benefits, and other details here.
A dental implant is not a prosthetic tooth
Before getting dental implants, you must understand how the treatment works. There are three components – the implant post, an abutment, and a restoration. The implant goes inside the jawbone, the abutment is fixed to the post, and the restoration is fixed on the abutment.
Factors for getting dental implants
Most patients with missing teeth can get dental implants, but there are a few considerations. Firstly, your overall health is a critical factor. For instance, if you have uncontrolled metabolic disease, such as diabetes, you may not be a good candidate. Smoking also has an effect on healing, and heavy smokers may not qualify for the surgery.
Pretreatments before the surgery
Sometimes, it may be necessary to do a few pretreatments to ensure the jawbone is ready to receive the implants. The first step is usually to check bone density, and if there is a decline, the periodontist or oral surgeon may recommend something like a bone graft. There are also other pretreatments.
The procedure of the surgery
During the surgery, your dentist will use local anesthesia, and you may even discuss sedation. After administering anesthesia, they will cut the gums and reach the jawbone. The next step is to drill holes into the jawbone and carefully place the implants. The cuts are then sutured after repositioning the gums.
Recovery after getting implants
Make sure you adhere to the oral hygiene instructions provided by your oral surgeon. You may have to eat soft foods for the next few days. After the surgery, the process of osseointegration begins, and the healing period, which can last between three and six months, will ensure the implant posts get secured in place. You will need another small surgery to place the abutments on the posts.
Benefits of dental implants
Because restorations on dental implants are usually fixed, you will have improved chewing and speech function. Also, you can restore your smile again. With implants inside the jawbone, there will be no further decline in bone mass. The treatment preserves the gums, too, and keeps other adjacent teeth stable.
Risks at a glance
There are a few risks with dental implants, as with any surgery. The risk of damaging surrounding teeth, gums, and tissues is a significant concern. Patients with certain conditions may not heal well from the surgery. Not to forget, there is a risk of local infections. Your dentist will usually treat you for periodontal disease (if any), but when that is not done, there could be additional complications.
Seeing your periodontist
It is imperative that you keep up with oral hygiene habits, as suggested. While dental implants don’t require extra care, you still have to see your periodontist every few months for an evaluation. Restorations are not permanent, and even the best crowns, bridges, and dentures have to be replaced at a point. Make sure you know the type of implants being used and restoration options.
If you have questions or want to understand whether you would benefit from the treatment, find a dental implant clinic in Carmel soon. The dentist will check all details and your health history and order imaging tests to take a call.
