Dental implants are one of the most effective solutions for tooth loss. A dental implant is a small, strong screw that's placed in the jawbone beneath your gums. It acts as a foundation for an artificial tooth or bridge.
Dental implants can last for years and years, but they don't work alone. You need to maintain them with good oral hygiene and regular care from your dentist. Here are three ways your dentist can help you with dental implants.
1. Consultation
After you've had a tooth extracted, your dentist will examine the area and assess whether or not you're a good candidate for dental implants. If you are, your dentist will explain how implants work and what to expect during the procedure. Your dentist may also suggest that you schedule another appointment so he or she can make an impression of your mouth and send it off to a dental laboratory for fabrication.
Depending on your situation, you may want to meet with a dental implant specialist before your procedure. If so, your dentist will refer you to one of the specialists in their practice or at another nearby office. At this consultation appointment, the specialist will evaluate your teeth and jawbone to make sure everything is healthy enough for implants. They'll also talk about what type of implant would be best for your case.
2. Choose Dental Implants That Are Right For You
There are several different types of dental implants available, but they all work in a similar way: They're placed into the jawbone and fused with it over time. A small screw is attached to the top of each implant, which connects it to a crown that fits over your natural tooth like a cap. The screw allows your dentist to secure the crown in place while allowing it to move when chewing food or smiling broadly.
There are three main types of implants: endosteal (within bone), subperiosteal (just under bone), and intrabony (inside bone). Each type has its own benefits and limitations, so choosing one over another depends on your individual situation. For example, if you want a removable implant — say, for travel — then endosteal might be best.
3. Monitor Your Teeth After Dental Implants
Implant dentistry is a long-term solution, so you'll need to visit your dentist regularly to ensure that your implant is working properly and your mouth remains healthy. If you're concerned about losing an implant or having it fail, talk to your dentist. They can monitor the progress of the procedure and make sure you stay on top of any issues that may arise.
If you're interested in dental implants, your dentist can help. Chat with them today to learn more about this procedure and other cosmetic dentist needs and how they can improve your smile.
Share10 November 2022
I have worked as a school nurse for decades. Children come to me with all sorts of scrapes and bumps and bruises. Black eyes from playing football, sprained wrists from falling off the monkey bars and stomachaches from too many sweets are common complaints. However, the issue that seems to cause the greatest angst is tooth problems. Sometimes a child will have a second tooth knocked out when playing sport and parents arrive in tears. At other times, children come to my office crying because their friends are teasing them about teeth that are discoloured or stick out. I take an active interest in the latest dental news so that I can give parents and children comfort and advice. I have included some of my collected wisdom on these pages. Perhaps this information can help you understand some options when faced with a dental problem. Thank you for reading.