Dental Implants Can Improve your Life

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are metal frames or posts made of titanium that are surgically positioned to your jaw to provide support for the replacement tooth.

Are dental implants suitable for you?

Before you visit our dentist in El Dorado, you need to check if you are eligible;

• Do you have enough bone density?
• Are you above 16 years old?
• Do you have healthy gums and teeth?
• Are your teeth cavity-free?
• Are you sensitive to metals like copper, zinc, lead, nickel, or iron? These are used to coat the titanium screws

These metal posts are suitable for all adults; whether born with missing teeth or have had them removed due to infection, decay or injury.

Types of dental implants

Implants are available in different heights, sizes, and types. Our dentists will help you choose the best option depending on the number of missing teeth, gum health, and bone density.

• Endosteal

These are implants surgically placed into the jawbone and they are made of titanium.

• Subperiosteal

The implants are fixed under the gum but above the jawbone. Subperiosteal is preferred for patients without enough healthy natural jawbone, but don’t want to undergo bone grafting to rebuild it.

Dental implants require a thick bone density to support them. However, if you have a poor jawbone your dentist may require you a bone grafting procedure to restore the natural jawline.

Bone grafting is categorized in different types depending on the severity of the bone loss. You can get a sinus lift that is done to fix the upper jaw bone or ridge expansion that is done if the jaw is narrow.

Dental implant techniques

Depending on your jawbone healthy, our dentist may suggest any of the following procedures:

• Immediate dental implants also called the same-day dental implants which are recommended if you have enough natural bone
• All-in-4 implants are placed in your available jaw bone thus avoiding bone grafting
• Mini dental implants are toothpick-sized posts that are used to stabilize the lower denture

Dental Implants offer great benefits

• They give you a beautiful, natural appearance. These metal posts feel, look, fill and function like your natural teeth. The posts are comfortable and unnoticeable
• Implants are durable if taken care of and can last for decades
• The implants will protect your natural facial bone. Losing teeth leaves spaces that can cause bone deterioration, and metal implants are the only dental options that stimulate bone growth and prevent bone loss.

What to Expect

The dental implant procedure involves six steps;

• Initial consultation

In this first appointment, our dentist will examine your dental health using x-ray or 3D imaging and discuss a suitable procedure.

• Dental placement

The second appointment involves fixing the implant in your jawbone on your missing tooth. Local anesthesia is used to keep you comfortable. At this stage, the doctor might recommend a bone graft if you need one.

You may experience swelling, bruising, pain and minor bleeding after the surgery.

• Osseointegration 

This is the process where the implant fuses to the jawbone to form a strong and lasting foundation for your artificial teeth. The process can take a few months. During this process, you will be required to take a soft diet for the first weeks to support the healing process.

• Placement of the abutment 

After the osseointegration process is done, the dentist will bond the implant to the jawbone. Sometimes the connector is placed on the same day as the implant.

• Attachment of the new teeth

The dentist will make an impression of your mouth to make your artificial teeth. These crowns are made of porcelain are attached to the abutment.

• Follow-ups 

Although dental implants are not prone to decay, they still need care and dental checkups to keep track of your dental health in general.

Are There Any Potential Risks?

Just like any surgery, dental implants present some risks such as infections, swelling, damage to the surrounding structure, nerve damage, and sinus problems.

Maintenance of the Dental Implants

Dental implants have a 95% success if done by a good dentist. However, the durability of the implants will depend on your dental care.

• Practice good dental hygiene
• Visit our dentist in El Dorado for your biannual dental checkups.
• Don’t show hard times as candy or ice which can affect the crown
• Pay attention to your diet. For the first ten days, you should avoid foods that delay the healing process.