Dental implants NW Calgary are a great solution for anyone suffering from tooth loss or tooth damage. They are highly effective and aesthetically pleasing, providing a safe and permanent alternative to dentures. In addition to the aesthetic benefits, dental implants can also contribute to improved oral health and longevity. Moreover, they can help restore your self-confidence and enable you to eat and speak confidently. In this blog post, we will explore why dental implants are an excellent option for replacing missing teeth and discuss the various benefits of this procedure.
What is a dental implant?
In dental implant surgery by your Best Northeast Calgary Dentist, tooth roots are replaced with metal posts that resemble screws, and damaged, or missing teeth are replaced with prosthetic teeth that resemble natural teeth in appearance and function. Dental implant surgery can provide a welcome alternative when there is insufficient natural tooth root to create dentures or to allow the replacement of functional teeth in place of the bridge.
The kind of implant used and the health of your jawbone will determine how the procedure is carried out. Multiple procedures could be involved in dental implant surgery. The main advantage of implants is reliable support for your new teeth, necessitating that the bone around the implant heals securely. It may take months for the bone to recover since it needs time.
What are the reasons why you should choose a dental implant?
- The jawbone is preserved with implants – Your jaw is surgically inserted with dental implants. A titanium post (the “root”), a metal “abutment” (the “connection”), and a “crown” make up a dental implant (prosthetic tooth). Like natural tooth roots stimulate your jawbone, the implant post does the same. You run the danger of having jawbone atrophy without such tooth roots. Dental implants aid in the preservation of your jawbone and, consequently, your mouth’s structural and functional integrity.
- The jawbone is preserved with implants – Dental implants are surgically placed in your jaw. A dental implant consists of a titanium post (the “root”), a metal “abutment” (the “connection”), and a “crown” (prosthetic tooth). The implant post stimulates your jawbone like how natural tooth roots do. You risk jawbone atrophy if you don’t have many tooth roots. Your jawbone and, as a result, your mouth’s structural and functional integrity are preserved thanks to dental implants.
- Implants may be permanent – Osseointegration is the process through which the post of your dental implant bonds with your jawbone. Your dental implant is meant to be permanent as a result. The crown that covers your implant may eventually need to be repaired or replaced if it sustains damage, but with good dental hygiene, crowns can last up to 15 years.
- Implants don’t require anchor teeth – A dental bridge is a dental restoration that calls for two anchors to hold the pontic, or replacement tooth, in place. Two healthy teeth surrounding your missing tooth or teeth are called the anchors, and they are filed down and given caps to support the pontic. Since the complete tooth replacement is supported by the implant post placed in the jawbone, dental implants do not require the use of anchor teeth.
- Implants are versatile and convenient – One tooth or an entire arch of teeth can be replaced using dental implants. This indicates that both dental bridges and dentures are similar alternatives to implants. However, implants are far more practical. Implants:
- avoid using messy adhesives
- do not need an overnight soak
- are simple to clean and maintain
- Avoid introducing a learning curve for speaking and eating.
Why are dental implants done?
Dental implants are the roots of missing teeth and are surgically inserted into your jawbone. The implants won’t slip, produce noise, or harm your bone the way fixed bridgework or dentures might since the titanium in them merges with your jawbone. Additionally, unlike your teeth, which support conventional bridgework, the materials cannot deteriorate.
Who are candidates for a dental implant?
If you have one or more missing teeth and damaged or decayed teeth that may not be able to be replaced, dental implants are often the solution. If your bridge, partial denture, or denture is uncomfortable, implant technology may be beneficial for you.
Patients with low bone density, certain health issues, or previous habits are disqualified from implants. Most patients can now obtain implants thanks to diagnosis and bone repair improvements.
How do you prepare for a dental implant?
Several specialists may be involved in the planning process for dental implants, including an ENT specialist on occasion and an oral and maxillofacial surgeon specializing in mouth, jaw, and face conditions. A periodontist treats the structures that support the teeth, such as the gums and bones, while a prosthodontist creates and places artificial teeth.
You must undergo a complete evaluation to prepare for the operation because dental implants need one or more surgical procedures. This includes a:
- Dental examination – Dental X-rays, 3D photographs, and models of your teeth and jaw may be created.
- Review your medical background – Any medical issues, along with any prescription, OTC, and dietary supplement use, should be discussed with your doctor. Your doctor might advise taking antibiotics before surgery to help avoid infection if you have certain cardiac issues or orthopedic implants.
- Plan of treatment – This plan, customized for your needs, takes into account how many teeth you need to be replaced and the health of your jawbone and remaining teeth.
What is after the procedure of a dental implant?
Regardless of whether you undergo dental implant surgery in one or more stages, you could feel some of the normal discomforts related to any dental surgery, including:
- Your gums and face swelling
- your skin and gums becoming bruised
- the implant location hurts
- Small bleeding
You may need painkillers or antibiotics after dental surgery. If you experience swelling, discomfort, or any other issue that worsens in the days following surgery, see your oral surgeon. You can stick to soft foods after each stage of the surgery to recover the surgical area. In most cases, your surgeon will personally provide them with a dividing line. Your surgeon removes your stitches if they don’t embroider themselves.
What are the foods to eat after your dental implant surgery?
Stick to soft foods that don’t need a lot of chewing after dental implant surgery. You must restrict your diet to very soft or watery items on the first day following your therapy. As a result, the anesthetics used during your surgery help prevent you from biting or chewing on your tongue.
We advise consuming smoothies, yogurt, ice cream, pudding, applesauce, mashed potatoes, creamy soups and broth, and other similar soft/liquid meals immediately following surgery. You can next progress to items that take a bit more chewing for the following week, such as macaroni and cheese, pancakes, rice, soft bread, cooked vegetables, eggs, and spaghetti.
You can start reintroducing tough and chewy foods to your diet after one to two weeks, such as meat and fibrous raw vegetables. However, how quickly you recover will determine this. For at least two weeks, you should refrain from chewing on the side of your mouth where the implant is.
What is the maintenance of dental implants?
The maintenance of dental implants is a crucial part of their longevity and the health of the surrounding teeth and gums. Dental implants are a long-term solution to tooth loss, making it important for patients to understand the importance of proper maintenance. Dental implants can easily last for many years and remain in excellent condition when cared for correctly.
- Dental hygiene – The most crucial action in taking care of your new smile is maintaining appropriate dental hygiene. Poor dental hygiene practices are to blame for the majority of implant issues. Implant infections are probably not a problem if you have proper oral hygiene practices.
- Cleaning your teeth – The best technique to maintain teeth and dental implants is to brush them. Dental professionals advise brushing your teeth twice a day for adults. Aim for two minutes of continuous brushing with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush.
- Use dental floss – Another essential component of maintaining your oral health is flossing your teeth. Plaque and bacteria on the surface of your gums can be removed by flossing with normal floss or a floss pick.
- Rinse your teeth – Utilizing an oral rinse after brushing and flossing is a simple way to improve your dental hygiene practice. Mouthwash eliminates dangerous bacteria in the mouth and helps prevent foul breath. Use mouthwash after brushing and flossing twice daily. Spit it into the sink after swishing it around for roughly 30 seconds. Your oral rinse is not intended to be swallowed, so never do so.
- Routine dental check-ups – The final step in maintaining your dental implants is to schedule routine appointments with your NW Calgary dentist, ideally every six months. If you have any worries about your dental implants, including pain, odor, difficulty speaking, or chewing, you should visit your Best Dentist NW Calgary as soon as possible.
Call Royal Oak Smiles to make an appointment with your Northeast Calgary dentist if you’d like to schedule your next dental appointment or learn more about dental implants. We are delighted to schedule a consultation for new dental implants or discuss the maintenance of your current implants.