Dental Blog

Dental implant surgery is a procedure that replaces tooth roots with metal, screwlike posts and replaces damaged or missing teeth with artificial teeth that look and function much like real ones.

Advantages

● Improved appearance. Dental implants look and feel like your own teeth
● Improved speech. Dental implants allow you to speak without the worry that teeth might slip.
● Improved comfort. Implants eliminate the discomfort of removable dentures.
● Easier eating. Dental implants function like your own teeth, allowing you to eat your favorite foods with confidence and without pain.
● Improved self-esteem. Dental implants can give you back your smile and help you feel better about yourself.
● Durability. With good care, many implants last a lifetime.

Dental implants have three parts

1. The implant: A screw that serves as a root for your new teeth.
2. The abutment: A permanent connector that supports and holds a tooth or set of teeth.
3. The crown: This is the part of the tooth that you can see. It’s usually made of zirconium or porcelain for durability and good looks.

How dental implant surgery is performed depends on the type of implant and the condition of your jawbone.

When bone grafting is required
If your jawbone isn't thick enough or is too soft, you may need bone grafting before you can have dental implant surgery.

Placing the dental implant
During surgery to place the dental implant, your oral surgeon makes a cut to open your gum and expose the bone. Holes are drilled into the bone where the dental implant metal post will be placed.

Waiting for bone growth
During this process, the jawbone grows into and unites with the surface of the dental implant. This process, which can take several months.

Placing the abutment
● Your oral surgeon reopens your gum to expose the dental implant
● The abutment is attached to the dental implant
● The gum tissue is then closed around the abutment

After the abutment is placed, your gums must heal for about two weeks before the artificial tooth can be attached.

Choosing your new artificial teeth
You and your dental specialist can choose artificial teeth that are removable, fixed or a combination of both.

After the procedure
Whether you have dental implant surgery in one stage or multiple stages, you may experience some of the typical discomforts associated with any type of dental surgery, such as:
● Swelling of your gums and face
● Bruising of your skin and gums
● Pain at the implant site
● Minor bleeding

You may need pain medications or antibiotics after dental implant surgery and need to eat soft foods while the surgical site heals.

You can help your dental implants last longer if you
● Practice excellent oral hygiene. Just as with your natural teeth, keep implants, artificial teeth and gum tissue clean.
● See your dentist regularly. Schedule dental checkups to ensure the health and proper functioning of your implants.
● Avoid damaging habits. Don't chew hard items, which can break your crowns — or your natural teeth. Avoid tooth-staining tobacco and caffeine products.

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