You cannot miss all the fun in life because of missing teeth; get a dental implant.
There are several reasons that contribute to missing teeth. From accidents to old age, you can lose your teeth at any point in life. However, regardless of the reason, it is crucial to replace the missing teeth.
Due to the progression in dentistry and advancement in technology, there are many dental options to replace missing teeth. Depending on the tooth’s location, age, and affordability, the dentist can opt for a removable prosthesis like a denture or a fixed prosthesis like a dental bridge or dental implant.
Even though it would be best to consult your dentist for the best possible dental solution for you, there is no harm in educating your mind with the relevant information. Because if you are going for dental implants, you need to consider all the aspects- the cost, benefits, procedure, and recovery process.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dentistry still scares people today. The anxiety, the treatment-related pain anticipation, the recovery process, everything elevates their adrenaline levels. However, as technology is evolving, conventional dental treatments are passé. Dental treatments like dental implants have emerged as an innovative and painless way of teeth replacement. When done right and taken care of, they can last forever.
The conventional dental prostheses that are still used to replace the missing teeth, such as dental crowns, fixed or removable, and complete or partial dentures, are still the treatment of choice for many patients. Why? Because not everyone is a suitable candidate for dental implants.
Most of you would be familiar with what dental implants are, that credit goes to the internet. For those who are still living in the dark, here is a brief definition for you:
Dental implants are fixed prostheses that are used to replace one or more missing teeth. Dental implants consist of three components: a screw, abutment, and dental crown. The titanium screw is surgically placed in the jawbone and let heal for four to six months. Once the screw heals, an abutment followed by a tooth-colored crown is placed over it.
Dental implants have become a popular choice amongst dentists and patients because they are the closest to a natural tooth in appearance, function, size, and shape. They are biocompatible in the mouth and help slow down the resorption of the jawbone.
Who Can Get a Dental Implant?
Before you become adamant about getting a dental implant, it is better to get your oral health evaluated by your dentist, because dental implants are not for everyone.
People who qualify as suitable candidates for dental implants:
*Young and healthy people
*People who have excellent oral hygiene
*People who can commit to a life-long good oral hygiene practice afterward
*People who can afford the expense
*People who have good dental and jaw bone health
People who cannot get dental implants:
*Smokers
*Unhealthy people with medical problems like diabetes and blood diseases
*Extreme old age
*Poor oral hygiene
*People who cannot afford it
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants have been reported to be 97% successful, but this varies from patient to patient. However, most people today do consider getting dental implants to reap their lifelong benefits.
*Excellent aesthetics. Dental implants resemble natural teeth in every aspect.
*Better functioning such as speech and mastication. As compared to other prosthetics like a denture that has a tendency to slip, a dental implant adapts better in the oral environment.
*Better comfort. Once the dental implants heal, they blend into the oral environment and offer no discomfort.
*Enhanced self-esteem. Dental implants improve the smile in a natural way, boosting the patient’s confidence and self-esteem.
*Improved oral health. Every dental prosthesis allows resorption of the jawbone except dental implants. Instead, they help in its healing and promote a healthy oral environment.
*Long-lasting. If the patient commits to good oral hygiene and visits the dentist for regular check-ups, dental implants can last a lifetime.
The Dental Implant Recovery Process
As already explained, the procedure to get dental implants is a surgical one. Before you get the dental implant, the procedure would be as follows:
*Dental consultation
*Clinical radiographic examination
*Treatment planning
*Removal of any “leftover” teeth or their remnants
*Bone grafting (only if needed)
*Implant surgery
After the implant surgery, your dentist will keep you on a follow-up to assess the progress of healing. Getting a dental implant is a lengthy procedure that requires multiple visits. You can experience the following throughout the treatment time span:
*Bruises on your gums, lips, or the skin around your mouth
*Swelling in or outside your mouth post-surgery
*Bleeding
*Pain and discomfort in the implant area
The dentist will manage these problems and will prescribe you medications accordingly to resolve them. These minor issues might not nag the patient, but what scares them is the recovery process. Here is how the recovery takes place:
*Initial 24 hours: The patient may experience slight swelling, pain, and discomfort in the implant area followed by minor bleeding. An ice pack and the use of a cold compress can help alleviate the symptoms.
*2-4 days after: Medications prescribed by the oral surgeon will continue. The patient can still experience the same symptoms as on day one.
*7-10 days after: The dentist or oral surgeon usually sees the patient for evaluation.
Most people recover fully after 10-12 days when the procedure is simple. However, if the procedure was complicated and involved bone grafting and tooth extractions, it may take 6-8 weeks to recover completely. Until then, they have to follow a soft diet. Throughout the recovery process and for the rest of your life, you will have to maintain excellent oral hygiene after getting the dental implant.
The Decision Is Yours!
Dental implant or no dental implant, it is best to get a proper dental consultation and then decide the best option for your missing teeth. Until then, take care of what you still have in your mouth.
