If you are missing one or more teeth, you are probably considering getting them replaced. Dental implants have become a popular option for teeth replacement. Although there are many benefits of this option, it is not necessarily the right choice for everyone. Along with meeting the requirements of what it takes to be a good candidate, you should understand what the procedure involves, as it is a long process.
Many people choose implants because of their many benefits. These include:
One thing to be aware of when considering implants is that it is not a quick process. There are numerous steps, and many of them require healing time before the next one can occur. Depending on if additional steps are needed and each individual's healing time, the entire process can range from seven months to longer than a year.
The first step is to have a consultation with the dentist to see if you are a candidate for dental implants. The dentist will conduct an exam, including X-rays, to make sure there are no underlying dental issues and that there is adequate jawbone to hold the implants.
Other characteristics of a good candidate include having good oral hygiene habits and being a non-smoker, over the age of 18, and free from illnesses or conditions that interfere with healing or blood clotting. A good candidate should also be patient and understand that the new teeth will not appear in just one or two visits.
This is an additional step that not all patients will need. Extraction is called for if you had a decayed tooth that you are going to replace with an implant. The tooth would need to be taken out first, and then the area would need to heal before the implant process could begin.
This is another step that applies to a smaller percentage of patients. Although good jawbone mass is a characteristic of a good candidate, a bone graft may be a possibility for those with insufficient bone density. During the graft procedure, the dentist uses synthetic material or a bone from another place in the body and adds it to your existing jaw. This must heal before implants can be placed, and this can take at least four months.
The first official step of the implant process is to insert the dental implants, which are titanium rods, into the jawbone. These will provide a stable foundation and serve as the roots of the artificial teeth. The dentist cuts through the gums and then screws in the rods. After this step, time is needed for the gums to heal and for the implants to become part of the bone. Healing time can range from four to seven months.
Next, the dentist places a healing cap flush with the gums. This is placed right at the end of each implant, and it helps prepare the gum tissue for the next steps. This area needs to heal for up to two weeks before the next step.
This consists of attaching a metal connector, known as an abutment, to the dental implants. The gums are cut open to reveal the implants, and an abutment is attached to each one, replacing the healing cap. Because the abutment rises up above the gumline and is visible when the mouth is open, the dentist will usually place a temporary crown to cover it up. The gums then need to heal, which can take up to six weeks.
During the healing time, the permanent crowns, which will be the artificial teeth, will be made in a lab. These are based on a mold of your mouth and teeth, and they match the color and shade of your natural teeth. It takes about two to three weeks for the crowns to be made.
Once the gums are healed and the permanent crowns are ready, the artificial teeth are attached to the dental implants. The dentist will either use cement to hold a crown in place or screw it onto the abutment.
If you need to replace missing teeth, dental implants may be the right choice. Discuss the pros and cons with your dentist and see if you are a good candidate for the procedure.
Request an appointment here: https://smilesdental.com or call Smiles Dental Care at (650) 563-1180 for an appointment in our Mountain View office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Implants in Mountain View, CA.
Dental implants and bridges can both be used to replace one or multiple missing teeth. Having multiple missing teeth can put a dent in one’s oral health. Patients who have lost a lot of teeth not only have trouble chewing but even smiling while out in social gatherings.The world of dentistry has evolved so much…
Dental implants are the gold standard in teeth replacement. These restorations are durable and biocompatible. Most people prefer durable and stable dental prosthetics to removable dentures. Implants owe their security to the prosthetic root and dental crown. If you want to know how the prosthetic root and crown help dental implants become stable and strong,…
A dental implant can replace a deteriorated natural tooth. Your dentist will try everything to keep the tooth intact. Replacing the tooth is important if the tooth is too damaged. Removable dentures will not provide the stability or strength you need. An implant will be the ideal tooth replacement. If you want to know the…
Dental implants are growing in popularity as they provide a permanent, non-removable, and more natural-like restoration for missing teeth. However, many are still unfamiliar with exactly how dental implants work, and this review discusses the dental implants process to replace missing teeth.Dental implants are used to replace a single missing tooth (implant-supported crown), a section…
A cracked tooth that goes untreated for an extended amount of time can lead to severe complications. Continue reading to learn about the risks of leaving cracked teeth untreated. Dentists generally recommend having a cracked tooth repaired as soon as conveniently possible, and it may become an emergency situation if the symptoms worsen or lead…
Scheduling a cosmetic dental service consultation is crucial to knowing how exactly a dentist can help you improve your smile. This consultation serves as an opportunity to gather valuable information and ask pertinent questions to ensure the success of your smile transformation. Here are six key questions to consider asking to understand your transformative journey…