Dental Implants
If you are missing teeth due to decay or trauma then it will be necessary to replace them. This is not only to improve your appearance by way of a nice smile, but is also essential to the overall function of your mouth, which plays an important role in both speech and digestion. A dental implant is a metal apparatus rooted into the jawbone. Dental implants can be used in cases where several teeth are missing or where only a few are. You may also be offered to use partial dentures or bridges as a substitute, but should follow the guidance of your dentist on such matters.
Are dental implants right for me?
Dental implants have a long history of being a success to dental patients. As to whether dental implants are right for you or not, this will be down to the judgement of your dentist. They will be able to ascertain whether you are suitable for dental implants through the use of several tests, including x-rays. They will need to find out whether you have enough bone in place and whether they are in a suitable condition.
If the bone is not right for dental implants then bone may need to be grafted into place from other areas of the body. This bone will usually be taken from areas including your chin, tibia or even your hip. Also, if you have gum disease then implants can not be fitted. You will need to wait until the gums are properly healed.
What does the fitting of dental implants involve?
The application of dental implants requires an operation, but this will not take too long and will be done through the use of anaesthetic or sedation. There may be some pain after the procedure but this will soon fade away. The process will involve the application of the implants at first, after which the permanent teeth can be applied after a further three months or more to allow the bone and gums to heal.
Immediate implants may also be an option while your jawbone and gum heals. You should consult your dentist on such matters. After the initial operation it is paramount that you do not rinse you mouth with water or any other fluid, and this should not be done for a few days. Smoking, exercise and driving should also be avoided. Your dentist will advise you to use a special chlorhexidine mouthwash during the first week after surgery.
How to clean dental implants
As with normal teeth you must make sure that your dentures are given sufficient dental care and cleaning. This will help to keep them in good working order and will lessen the chance of needing to attain new dentures any time soon. You may be advised to visit a hygienist to learn of how to clean your implants, or your dentist may simply advise you. Do not hesitate to ask any questions of your dentist or hygienist, as doing so will only lead to your dentures not receiving the care they need.
Other important information
The application of dental implants is expensive but the results can make the process well worth it. Dental implants are less likely to move about than dentures, and do not require the dentist to reduce the teeth as would be required if you were to get a crown. Most implants can not be removed, though your dentist will be able to do so to check on them. Your implants will not appear to other people, who will be none the wiser, as they will stay in place during conversation and other movements of the mouth.
One single implant can usually support one or two teeth. You may therefore be in need of more than one implant being placed into the jawbone should there be several missing teeth. On occasion the implant will not connect with the jawbone sufficiently. This occurs when the implant becomes loose during the healing process. If this happens then the gums and jaw will heal without the implant in place. Nevertheless, another implant can be fitted once the jawbone and gum are healed. If you do have any problems with your dental implants then you should consult your dentist.
