It's not easy when you lose teeth due to an accident or decay. It can make you feel self-conscious and unwilling to smile when your teeth are showing. Your dentist might recommend that you consider having dental implants in order to restore your smile and protect your oral health.
If your dentist has recommended getting dental implants to replace missing or broken teeth, here is what you should know about the procedure.
There Are Different Types Of Dental Implants
When your dentist recommends that you receive dental implants, you might wonder what to expect. There are several types of dental implants that a dentist can choose from. A dentist will choose the best fit for you based on your overall oral health, how many teeth need to be replaced, your bone density, and more.
Your dentist will speak with you about what they think is the best option for you and ask what your preferences are. For example, you might prefer a crown that can be removed for better cleaning of the crown and your gums, or you might prefer a crown that is permanently fixed to the implant. While a dentist will do their best to accommodate your preferences, a lot will depend on whether or not it's feasible.
The Process Will Take Several Visits To Complete
The dental implant process will take place over several visits, so be prepared to go back to your dentist over the course of a couple of days to several weeks. This will depend on the type of dental implant you are getting, your oral health, how much needs to be done to prepare your gums for the implant, and how many teeth need to be replaced.
Your dentist will first remove any broken teeth, if there are any, and ensure there is enough bone for an implant to be installed. Once this process is complete, your dentist will drill a hole into the bone to make way for the implant.
The implant stem will then be installed. It can take several months for the bone and gums to fully heal, but you will be fitted for the crown during this process.
The crown will be made to match the size, shape, and color of your existing teeth.
They are typically made of ceramic or a type of polymer depending on the dental implant type. Once the crown has been made and fitted to your mouth, it will be placed on the stem.
Contact your dentist to learn more about dental implants.
Every time you take a bite of food, you should be grateful for your healthy teeth! A tooth can lose its health and structure quickly once decay sets in. Luckily, if you visit your dentist for regular appointments, the decay should not get too serious before your dentist notices it and can do something about it. That "something" is applying a filling. On the other hand, if the decay progresses too long before it is caught, you may need a crown or even an extraction.
We want to keep our teeth, and we know you want to keep yours. That's why we created this website to teach you more about dentists and dental care. Enjoy!