Dental Implants are an innovative way to replace missing teeth and provide a strong foundation for your oral health. Unlike bridges and dentures, which require natural teeth to be cut away and supported by neighboring teeth, implants are surgically fastened directly into your jawbone where they become anchored through a process called osseointegration.
Sarasota FL Dental Implant Dentist will help you decide if dental implants are right for you. The decision is based on your oral health, how well you care for your teeth and gums, your commitment to routine dental visits and follow-up visits, and any other factors that are relevant to your individual case.
For most patients, dental implants are the best choice for replacing missing teeth because they look, feel, and function like real teeth. They can also restore a person’s self-confidence and prevent other serious health problems that often arise when teeth are missing.
In order to determine whether you’re a good candidate for a dental implant, your dentist will examine the health of your teeth and gums, evaluate any existing dental work, take X-rays, and discuss your goals with you. Then, we’ll review your medical history and create a treatment plan that fits your needs.
There are two main types of dental implants: endosteal (implant that fuses to bone) and subperiosteal (implant that is covered with tissue). Both methods can be used, but the procedure that works best for you depends on your individual situation.
An endosteal implant involves placing a titanium implant into the bone that consists of a small metal post with a head (where the artificial tooth would be placed). After this is placed, a protective cover screw is placed to seal the head until it can fully heal and integrate with the bone.
If the bone is not strong enough for an implant, a bone graft can be used to increase the size of the bone in your jaw. This is done to ensure that there will be enough healthy bone to support the implant.
Once the graft has healed, the surgeon will drill into the newly formed bone to place the implant. Once in the bone, it will need three to six months for the implant to integrate itself with the surrounding tissue.
When the healing period is complete, your dentist will uncover the implant and attach an abutment that holds the artificial tooth or crown on top. Once this is in place, you’ll have a permanent, natural-looking smile.
You may need to take prescription pain medication after the surgery to alleviate any discomfort you experience. It’s important to avoid consuming hard or chewy foods for five to seven days after the procedure to allow for proper healing and recovery of your jawbone.
If you’re a smoker, your doctor may recommend that you quit before receiving dental implants. Smokers can have a higher risk of osseointegration failure than non-smokers, so be sure to tell your dentist about any tobacco use you have or have had in the past.