Dental Implant Before and After
Missing or damaged teeth can make you feel self-conscious, but they can also adversely impact your oral health. Missing teeth can lead to a misaligned bite or even jawbone degradation.
Fortunately, advancements in modern dentistry mean there are now permanent restorative procedures to improve your smile. Dental implants are one of the most effective permanent solutions to tooth loss, whether you need a single replacement or an entire arch.
If you’re exploring solutions for tooth loss, it’s essential to understand what to expect when getting a dental implant, before and after. While dental implants are an excellent option to restore your smile and regain confidence, the procedure requires multiple appointments spanning several months.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants offer several advantages over other tooth loss solutions, like dentures. They are particularly beneficial if you are missing multiple teeth because they provide the look and functionality of natural teeth. Some of the key benefits include:
- Realistic appearance due to porcelain restoration’s natural translucency
- Maintenance of facial structure; implant post stimulates bone tissue growth
- Clearer speech without the inconvenience of removable dentures
- Improved chewing and eating capabilities
- Regained confidence in your smile
- Straightforward maintenance, especially when compared to a tooth-supported bridge
- Long-lasting durability
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant consists of three key components. The first is the titanium post that fuses with the jaw to form the foundation for the prosthesis. This substitute tooth root is the actual implant. A connector, called an abutment, is attached to the implant, creating a stable base for the crown.
The dental crown is the final piece that completes the implant. It is custom made to match any existing teeth and provide a comfortable bite.
Dental Implant, Before And After: The Procedure
There are two distinct parts to getting a dental implant: Before and after. Dental implants require a surgical procedure, so initial examinations are crucial to ensure you are a healthy candidate for a dental implant. If any issues are detected, you may need preparatory work to ensure your mouth and jaw can sufficiently support dental implants.
Before The Procedure
Before your dentist can schedule dental implant surgery, you’ll have an initial consultation to determine whether you are suitable for treatment. Your dentist takes X-rays and digital images of your teeth and jaws to assess bone density, gum health, and overall oral health.
If your dentist detects active gum disease, you’ll need to undergo periodontal therapy. This may include antibiotics and scaling and root planing to repair damaged soft tissue.
If X-rays reveal poor bone density or thickness, you may need a bone graft or sinus lift, depending on the location of the implant. These surgeries use graft material to stimulate bone cell growth to improve the health of your jaw. This ensures that the implant post has a strong foundation to support the abutment and restoration.
The Dental Implant Procedure
At Dentistry on Solent, we use state-of-the-art DIO dental implants. This allows your dentist to embed the implant post using a flapless surgery technique. Flapless dental implant surgery is computer-guided, so no incisions are needed. This means shorter procedure times, less discomfort, and a faster recovery.
Your DIO dental implant procedure is meticulously planned using a specialised software program.
After your dentist has digitally scanned your teeth, the data is entered into the program, which assesses your dental needs and creates a personalised treatment plan and a 3D rendering of the digital implant template used to guide the surgery.
This information is sent to a lab where the template is fabricated.
Once the template is ready, your dentist places it in your mouth and uses the guide to screw the titanium implant post directly through the gum tissue into the jaw below. You won’t need any sutures after the procedure, and in some cases, the abutment can be attached immediately after the implant post.
After The Procedure
Although our DIO technology causes minimal trauma to the gums, you may experience some bruising and swelling immediately after the procedure. Be sure to limit strenuous activities like exercise for a few days to allow your mouth sufficient time to heal. Take prescribed medication from your doctor to ease discomfort.
Your dentist will recommend eating soft foods and limiting sugary, acidic, and caffeinated substances until the site heals. They’ll also advise you to stop smoking.
One of the key advantages of dental implants is that they don’t require special care, like sterilisers or cleaners. Tips for taking exceptional care of a dental implant include:
- Brushing twice per day and flossing regularly
- Scheduling biannual checkups with your dentist
- Avoid chewing or biting on hard objects, including candy, toffee, or the tops of pens
- Don’t open bottles or packages using your teeth
- Avoid smoking
Schedule Your Dental Implant Consultation Today
Dental implants help restore confidence and improve your quality of life. Using a friendly chairside manner and state-of-the-art technology, Dentistry On Solent can make the dental implant process comfortable for you.
If you have any questions about getting a dental implant, before and after the procedure, give us a call or book a dental implant consultation online today.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
Dental bridge procedure
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/dental-bridge-procedure
Everything to Know About a Dental Implant Procedure
https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/dental-implant-procedure
Tools of the trade: Dio Navi
https://bitemagazine.com.au/tools-of-the-trade-dio-navi/
Understanding Bone Grafts for Dental Implants
https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/implants/bone-graft-for-dental-implants-understanding-the-possibility