Missing teeth affect more than your smile; they can also affect your dental structure and cause the surrounding teeth to weaken. Several reasons can cause loss of teeth like decay and accidents. Regardless of the reason for tooth loss, dental implants are ideal if you are looking for a long-lasting solution. At Dental Art Clinics we recommend dental implants as a solution for missing teeth and teeth preservation.
Before you can come for your procedure, here are common questions we get all the time that will give you an idea of what to expect.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are metal posts that are fixed to the bone and act as the root of the artificial teeth. Because the titanium roots are fused to the bone, the implants provide support and prevent bone loss.
The tooth implants are made of three parts; the metal post, a bridge or connector, and a crown.
What’s Great About Implants?
Dental implants provide better support than dentures. Dental dentures sit over the gums and over time this will cause you to lose bone mass and further weaken the teeth.
As aforementioned, dental implants fuse with the jaw bone, a process called osseointegration. Like your natural teeth, the implants are anchored to the bone jaw preventing the loss of bone mass.
Who is Eligible for Implants?
Teeth implants are not ideal for everyone. When you come to our dental clinic, our dentist will evaluate your dental condition to determine if you are eligible for the procedure.
To get the implants, you need to have enough jawbone to support the implant. Furthermore, the gum and teeth need to be healthy and free of decay.
What happens if you don’t have a dental bone? Several solutions are available such as bone graft that allows the dentist to use bone granules to promote bone growth.
Subperiosteal implants can also be used if a bone graft is not your cup of tea. With these implants, the dentist will fix the implants on gum above the jawbone.
What Does Dental Implant Procedure Entail?
The dental procedure process is done in several steps. During the surgery, the dentist will drill the bone to fix the metal post. You will still have a gap after the implant is fixed, but the dentist can give you a temporary denture for support. Keep in mind, it can take several months for the implant to fuse to the bone to provide a solid base.
When the process is complete, the dentist will place a bridge, abutment or connector on the implant. Since the abutment is placed over the gum, you may require a minor surgical procedure and a time for the gums to heal. Afterward, a crown or artificial teeth will be fixed. You can choose between removable and fixed dental crowns.
Is the Procedure Painful?
Dental implants may sound painful, but they aren’t. Our dentist near you, will use local anesthesia and sedation to reduce pain and anxiety. IV anesthesia or oral sedation may be used to prevent discomfort and make the procedure pain-free.
You will, however, experience pain after the procedure. You can expect swelling and bruising of the gums, pain and minor bleeding. Pain medication and antibiotics can work to reduce discomfort.
After the dental procedure, you will need a soft diet until the site heals.
Are There Complications?
No, there are no complications, but at times the implant may fail due to several factors.
- Implant screw loosening because of fracture, insufficient bone, or bruxism
- Cement or abutment failure
- Nerve damage and bruising
- Implant rejection. When the implant fails to fuse to the bones, the body may reject it
How Can You Protect the Dental Implants?
Although teeth implants are long-lasting, you can enhance their longevity by taking care of them.
- The implants are like your natural teeth so, maintain your normal dental hygiene
- Have regular dental checkups and cleaning
- Practice proper dental habits such as avoiding tooth-staining foods
Come Get Dental Implants in Toronto
Don’t live with missing teeth, contact us to book an appointment. We will assess your dental health and create a treatment plan.
