Dental Implants are a great option to replace missing teeth, providing patients with a long-term solution that looks, feels and functions like natural teeth.
Whether you’re missing one tooth or several, they can improve your smile, self-confidence and oral health. They can also restore chewing strength and support your jaw bone, improving your facial appearance.
A dentist specializing in oral surgery, such as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, can perform a surgical procedure to place a dental implant and a prosthetic (crown or bridge). In some cases, the implant may require a bone graft before it can be placed. For more information and a free consultation, visit https://www.thesarasotadentist.net/dental-implants/.
Your treatment plan will be tailored to your specific needs. This will take into account any underlying dental problems, as well as the condition of your existing teeth and jawbones. Your doctor will perform a thorough examination, obtain X-rays and other imaging, and review your medical history to determine if you are an appropriate candidate for implants.
The initial procedure involves placing a small metal post (equivalent to the root of a tooth) into the missing tooth’s bone socket. This allows the jawbone to grow around it, forming a solid base for the implant. The procedure is called osseointegration and can be completed in six weeks to 12 weeks, depending on the specific tooth or teeth being replaced.
After the initial surgical procedure, recovery can last a few days to a week and includes minor pain and swelling. Your dentist will prescribe prescription pain medications to help relieve any discomfort you feel during the healing process.
Your dentist will recommend a diet that is soft for the first few days after your surgery, and encourage you to avoid smoking as it can negatively impact your implants. In the meantime, you will need to visit your dentist frequently for checkups and cleanings to monitor any changes in your implants.
You should return to your regular daily activities after the initial period of healing. Once your implants have fully healed, your dentist will uncover them and attach an abutment, which will hold the crown or tooth-like replacement.
Often, your dentist can fabricate the crown or other restoration on the same day that you receive your implants. Occasionally, you will need to return for a second appointment to remove the temporary prosthetic and make a permanent restoration.
Sarasota Fl dentist will provide you with instructions for after-care, including how to care for the dental implant, and how to care for your gums and other tissues around it. They will also recommend that you brush and floss your teeth and rinse with salt water regularly to keep your implants clean.
When you have a dental implant, your smile will be more beautiful and more functional than ever before. The implants will look and function like real teeth, restoring your confidence and ability to enjoy all of the foods you love. They will also support your jawbone, helping to maintain the integrity of your facial features and prevent bone loss.