When a tooth is missing, or multiple teeth are missing or damaged, whether it’s because of cavities, gum disease, or physical trauma, they need to be replaced to maintain good oral health. These may include using dentures or having dental implants.
Dental implants are one of the preferred and most common options to restore dental function, provide long-term stability for the jawbone, and improve quality of life. Considering it but not sure if you are a candidate for dental implants, speak to an experienced dentist today.
Dental implants, made from titanium, are surgically placed in the jawbone at the root of the missing tooth, allowing for a replacement tooth root to attach. The implant or post eventually fuses with the bone. A process called osseointegration.
After the initial procedure of inserting an implant, the patient takes a few months to heal. The next stage involves attaching an abutment or connector to the implant. The abutment’s position between the implant and the crown serves 2 functions:
The last step of the procedure involves securing the crown over the abutment to finish restoring healthy teeth. Titanium dental implants are durable and designed to last for years, if not permanently.
Titanium dental implants can support dentures, crowns, and bridges and are ideal for people with:
Candidates for dental implants include people with adequate bone in their jaws or have bone grafts, healthy gums, and good overall health, determined by a comprehensive dental exam, review of medical history, and x-rays of the teeth and jaw.
After implant placement and healing over several months, the implant can become buried under the healed gum tissue. The next step involves disrupting the mucosa over the implant to insert the abutment. The process, called uncovering, is done under local anesthesia.
Getting to the implant underneath requires an incision that elevates the gum tissue to expose the implant. A tiny screw, the cover screw on the implant, is removed and replaced with the abutment above the mucosa level. The abutment is now visible and shapes the gum tissue for the final step.
Uncovering the dental implant isn’t always required. Some procedures involve inserting the dental implant and the abutment during the same visit. It is called an open or transgingival ingrowth.
Although uncovering dental implants is a simple process, it can be painful. Patients have local anesthesia during the procedure. General anesthesia is available for patients with anxiety around dental procedures.
The first few days following the procedure will require pain medication and possibly antibiotics. The pain will fade with time and as healing occurs. The main discomfort you may feel is from initial swelling, bruising, and pain at the implantation site.
The level of pain that you experience will also depend on whether bone damage occurred during the process. If too much damage has taken place, it will likely take longer to heal.
Your dentist will recommend a regimen of pain medications based on your needs and follow-up visits to ensure healing starts quickly. Over-the-counter pain medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), help with pain, inflammation, and discomfort.
Missing teeth can impact more than appearance. It can affect speech, eating, and self-confidence. Dental implants are one of the most effective ways to restore function to missing teeth. They are easy to care for, convenient, and can last a lifetime.
Yes, dental implants are a surgical procedure, and accompanying pain and discomfort are inevitable, with weeks or months of healing time required between each stage. These are managed and lessened with medication and regular visits to your dentist’s office.
