Dental implants can bring back your smile and dental health at the same time. Studies show that permanent teeth should last for the rest of your life. But because of lifestyle, diet, and medical conditions, tooth loss happens. Replacing these teeth with stable restorations is important. Here are the things to look forward to before you get your dental implants.
The durable materials of these restorations may be resistant to periodontal disease. But implants are not bacteria-proof. Performing proper dental care every day is important in keeping food particles and bacteria away from the surrounding area of the dental implants. This includes flossing, brushing for two minutes twice a day, and using an antibacterial mouthwash. Keeping one’s appointment with the dentist can remove the plaque and tartar that surrounds the implants.
The consultations and examinations will begin the dental implant procedure. These visits will give the dentist and the patient an idea of when to perform the implant procedure. Months of healing will follow. The patient will wear temporary crowns during this time until the permanent crowns are ready. It will take about a year until the patient gets the complete dental implants.
Removing the damaged teeth will come first. The dentist will prepare for a possible bone grafting as well. A piece of healthy bone will combine with the thinning jawbone. This will encourage the growth of new bone. When the grafted area heals, it will be thick enough to support dental implants.
Once the patient is ready, the dentist will cut through the gum tissue and drill implant holes. Then, the dentist will attach the titanium rods. After complete healing and fusing with the jawbone, the dentist will attach the abutments. Another two weeks of healing will come next. Connecting the crowns will complete the restoration.
The dentist will help the patient decide which implants will serve the patient the most. Endosteal implants go into the jawbone. The titanium rods are screw-like. These are traditional dental implants. Healing takes four to six months.
Zygomatic dental implants are ideal alternatives. The rods will connect to the cheekbones. Healing will take about two to four months. These restorations can last for about 12 years.
Subperiosteal dental implants rest above the jawbone and under the gumline. The dentist will place a metal frame under the gum tissue. An implant post and artificial crowns will attach to it. It will take one to three months to heal.
It is ideal to treat any dental issues first before getting dental implants. This will increase one’s chances of having lasting restorations. The pre-implant treatments may prolong the implant surgery, but the results will be better. Ask the dentist about the medications that the patient must take before and even after the procedure.
Stop smoking and drinking alcohol. Research reveals that these habits prevent proper tissue oxygenation and healing. They can also cause implant failure. Practicing clean living can help the body fight possible infections from an implant procedure.
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Getting dental implants is a big decision. The procedure is invasive and permanent. Even so, proper healing can result in a stable dental restoration. Working with your dentist can make your dental implants last for a long time without issue.
Request an appointment or call Great Lakes Oral Surgery at 734-961-4864 for an appointment in our Ann Arbor office.
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