Here’s the truth. You need to fill in that tooth.
178 million Americans are missing one tooth at a minimum. Dental decay, gum disease, and trauma are the leading factors.
Many people live full lives with one missing tooth. But it may be harder to breathe, eat, and smile with such a prominent gap.
Thankfully, dental implants are an easy and permanent solution. Yet many people remain unaware of them. Understand dental implants and you can start smiling today.
Here is your quick guide.
The Basics of Dental Implants
Dental implants are artificial teeth that are attached to the jaw. Dentists drill titanium screws to hold the teeth in place. Titanium is sturdy and can attach itself to bones.
Dentists perform implants to replace missing teeth. In addition to filling unseemly gaps, they reinforce other teeth. They keep the jaw sturdy, preventing further deterioration.
Implants are not transplanted teeth. Though teeth can be transplanted, tooth transfers often lead to infections.
Implants are also not bone grafts. Dental bone grafts are bone taken from somewhere in the body and fused into the jaw. Grafts do not replace missing teeth, though they reinforce existing ones.
They are also not dental crowns or onlays. An inlay fits over the biting surface of the tooth, improving its strength.
Dentures are an alternative to implants. They are removable devices that hold teeth and jaw muscles in place. If you cannot use dentures, implants are a good suggestion.
Anyone can receive a dental implant, provided they have healthy gums and jawbones. A patient with gum disease or tooth decay must receive treatment before they receive an implant.
The procedure is not recommended for smokers or people with diabetes. If you have undergone chemotherapy or radiotherapy, you should wait before having any surgical procedure.
The Dental Implant Procedure
The procedure begins with a consultation. Your dentist will run X-rays on your mouth, making sure the bones can support an implant. They may run a CT scan to get a better look at your jaw.
Once the dentist sees that everything checks out, they conduct some initial treatments. If the jaw needs reinforcement, the dentist will perform a bone graft. They will also remove rotten or broken teeth so the implant can slide in.
The dentist begins placing the implant by injecting a local anesthetic into the mouth. You will not feel any pain, besides mild discomfort. The dentist cuts into the gum and drills a small hole into the jawbone.
They then insert the titanium screw. Some patients can receive their artificial teeth immediately. The dentist fits the tooth onto the screw and attaches it to the gum.
But most people must wait. The screw and bone must fuse together. The gums may also need healing and restitching.
This can take several weeks, if not several months. In the meantime, the dentist may offer a denture to allow the implant to settle. Once it has, they can fit the tooth on.
Some implants are “single-stage implants,” allowing for immediate fitting. But these implants are longer than double-stage ones. They are not ideal for people who need a short tooth with an invisible screw head.
Full Mouth Dental Implants
Full mouth dental implants replace all teeth in one or both jaws. They are ideal for people who are missing at least several teeth. In fact, 40 million Americans are missing all of their teeth, requiring full implants.
The procedure of full mouth implants is similar to the procedure for single tooth implants. Dentists must run diagnostics using X-rays and CT scans.
The dentist may also use virtual planning software to create images of the head with implants. They can adjust the implants if the skull or face is compromised.
They may place up to eight implants in the upper jaw and six in the lower jaw. They wait for the screws to adhere to the bone, which may take weeks. The dentist can then attach the artificial teeth to each screw.
How Much Are Dental Implants?
Pricing for dental implants varies depending on the patient. In general, one tooth implant costs a few thousand dollars. Full mouth implants can cost tens of thousands.
Most insurers cover dental procedures. But you should double-check to make sure your insurer does.
If they do not, you may be able to receive funding from a third-party company. You can pay out of pocket as well, though you should get an estimate before you decide on that.
Living With Implants
Your anesthetic will wear off a few hours after your procedure. Don’t eat or drink anything until it does.
You may experience pain and swelling in the area of your implant. Don’t worry. This is the implant settling into the bone, and it’s a natural process.
If you experience extreme pain, contact your dentist right away. If you experience bleeding or have trouble breathing, call 911.
Opt for soft foods during the first few weeks with your implant. Try to avoid chewing with it. When you brush and floss, be careful and avoid scrubbing it too hard.
Schedule an appointment with your dentist three months after your surgery.
Once everything has settled, you can use your implant like a real tooth. Brush and floss twice a day. Avoid drinking sugary beverages and do not smoke.
Fill in the Gaps
Dental implants are a quick fix to missing teeth. They are artificial teeth mounted on titanium screws that fit into the jaw.
Dentists check X-rays to make sure the jaw can handle the implant. Then they drill through the jawbone and install the screw. The artificial tooth fits over top.
You can get a full mouth implant if you need many teeth. Implants work just as natural teeth do, so make sure you brush them.
Go to the experts on the implant. Katy Gentle Dentists is Houston’s leading dental implant clinic. Contact us today.