When I had a badly decayed tooth extracted, I got a partial denture to fill in the gap. I didn't mind it at first, because I was just so happy to have my painful tooth out of my mouth. Over time, I began to get tired of taking it out at night. I asked my dentist if I was could get a dental implant, and he said that my gum disease did not make me a good candidate, but a fixed bridge may be a good option for me. I went with his suggestion, and I have no regrets. I love feeling like I have a real tooth again that I don't have to remove at night. I created this blog to remind other people with a missing tooth that they have many replacement options, and if one is not for you, then try another that may be right.
In years past, dentures were the most popular way people could get replacements for broken or missing teeth. While dentures are still a commonly used choice for many patients, dental implants are fast becoming the most popular way for people to restore their natural smile. Because they look so similar to real teeth and can last for many years, implants are taking the dentistry world by storm. If you've considered getting dental implants, read on to learn more about the process.
Preparation
It is important to keep in mind that the entire process of getting dental implants can take several months from start to finish, so do not expect the procedure to be a quick fix. First, a dentist, such as Kyle J Frisinger DMD, will thoroughly examine your individual situation and tooth replacement needs. They will take note of the tooth's shape, color, and size in order to determine which implant will work best for your smile. An x-ray and potentially a CT scan will be administered, so the dentist can decide the best place to insert the implants. This examination is important, because this will help to ensure that everything goes correctly the first time and that they will look appealing when complete.
Inserting the Implants
After your initial assessment, it will be time for the dentist to insert the titanium into your gums and jawbone, which will be the anchor for the implants. This is a surgical procedure but it is considered to be minimally invasive. You should not expect much pain afterward, but your dentist will advise the proper steps for after care.
Adding the Implant
After the titanium pieces have been surgically inserted, you will need to wait several weeks to allow your gums and jawbone to heal. Titanium works very well with bone, so as you're healing, it will slowly adhere to the titanium implant. This causes it to be anchored tightly and securely as it fuses to your bone. Because of this integration, it means dental implants last much longer than crowns or dentures. After the healing process, temporary teeth are added that are made of acrylic, so you can chew and function normally. There may be some restrictions on what you can eat and drink during this time.
The Final Product
Once you're healed and ready to go, your new permanent teeth will be attached. They are made of strong materials that are designed to fit into the tissue of your gums, much more accurately than traditional crowns. After they've been inserted into the gums, they will be screwed onto the implants or applied using a special cement. While the process of getting implants takes time and patience, your brand new smile will definitely be worth the wait.
Share20 October 2015
