Dentures and Dentist

What to Know Before Getting Dental Implants

21 July 2015

Julian Andrews

Dental implants are surgical components infused into the jawbone by an oral surgeon and are used to replace the roots of a tooth. They provide a strong foundation for fixed or removable teeth replacements such as crowns, dentures and bridges. While cosmetic dentistry procedures such as bridge-works rely on nearby healthy teeth for support, use of dental implants gives the bridges a strong foundation in themselves. Dental implants are made of titanium, a lightweight, strong and bio-compatible component that is safe for surgical use in the mouth. Unlike other fixtures which may require a few replacements along the way, dental implants are durable and rarely require replacement.

Benefits of using dental implants

Improved appearance. Dental implants are permanent and look like your own teeth. You may even forget you lost a tooth!
Increased comfort. Since they are infused into your jawbone, dental implants become a part of you and reduce any discomfort associated with temporary dental fixtures.
They save adjacent teeth. Since dental implants do not rely on adjacent teeth for anchoring, they preserve the integrity of your healthy teeth.
Easier eating. Sliding dentures or bridges can make chewing of food difficult. Dental implants are firm and enable you to eat food without any difficulties.
Better speech. With loose dentures, teeth can slip within the mouth causing you to mumble or slur words. The use of dental implants, which are firm, ensures no speech interference.
Durability. Unlike other fixtures, dental implants are durable and may never require replacement. With proper care, dental implants can last for a very long time.

Process of dental implant surgery

Dental implants are safe for all ages and may be the right choice if you miss a tooth or more due to injury, disease or decay. A dentist carefully evaluates your dental and medical history to determine whether you are a candidate for dental implants. The process of having dental implants fixed is an out-patient surgery which is performed in stages.

In the first stage, your damaged tooth is removed. Your jawbone is then prepared for surgery. If it is not thick enough or is too soft, you will undergo a process called bone grafting to create a more solid base for the implant.

After healing of the jawbone, the oral surgeon places a dental implant metal post in your jawbone. The jawbone grows in and unites with the surface of the dental implant, a process that could take several months. This helps provide a solid foundation for your artificial tooth.

The surgeon places an abutment, which is the piece where the crown of your artificial tooth will attach to. This process requires a few days of healing before the next stage.

Once the abutment is in place, the dentist makes impressions of your tooth that will be used in making of the crown. The crown is then attached to the abutment. Since the implant is secured within the jaw, the new tooth looks, functions and feels like your real tooth.

Contact a dentist like Marcin Zielinski if you have specific questions about the procedures relating to dental implants.

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About Me

Hello, my name is Jack. I am now 79 years old. As you can imagine, my teeth have taken something of a battering over the years. I lost a couple of teeth in a bar fight, four more decayed and one had to be extracted when it became infected. After losing so many teeth, my dentist suggested that I have dentures fitted. I was worried about this but my dentist was really great. He helped explain the procedure and then did an excellent job. I love my new dentures and I wanted to start this blog to offer help to others.