Many NC residents have heard about dental implants. However, because many have also not experienced having them, they don’t understand how beneficial they can be. With dental implants, NC residents can now benefit from some of the most natural-looking and natural-feeling restorative dental procedures ever! Dental implants are a MAJOR advance in the field of restoration dentistry. They benefit those who have one of more teeth that are already missing or that will need to be removed. Whether tooth loss results from injury or health problems, dental implants can be used in various ways, serving to replace or stabilize your teeth and restore your smile.
Using this basic information about dental implants, NC residents can become more informed consumers because they will understand restorative dentistry options, both old and new.
What exactly are dental implants?
Dental implants are small posts made of titanium that are inserted into your jawbone where teeth are missing. An artificial tooth with a very natural appearance is later anchored atop the post.
How does the dental implant process happen?
We will prepare the area where the post is going to be positioned, and then very carefully place the post into position. Then, we will allow time for the surgical area and the bone to heal – sometimes as long as 4- 6 months. This healing process is very important because during that time, bone is actually growing around the post. When that process is complete, there is a very secure foundation for a replacement tooth.
After your gums heal for several weeks, artificial teeth will be made and fitted to the post portion of the anchor. This step can take one or two months to complete because multiple visits for accurate fitting may be necessary. Sometimes, instead of a single tooth, another restorative device (a bridge, dentures) is being attached to the dental implant post.
How many appointments will I need for dental implants?
Different types of implants can have an effect on whether one or two dental implant surgical procedures are needed. More than one fitting may be needed, too. Your provider of dental implants in NC can advise you on the best type of implant to use for your situation and how many appointments for fitting to anticipate for your dental implant needs.
How do dental implants compare to fixed bridges or dentures?
The answer to that is too specific to a patient’s situation to answer accurately. In some cases, dental implants are a clear alternative to a fixed bridge or dentures. As already mentioned, dental implants can also be used to secure a bridge or dentures. Your provider of dental implants in NC can help you better understand the benefits and costs of all the options that are available to you. In NC, there are dentists, some of whom call themselves comprehensive dentists, who may offer implants in addition to the more traditional restorative options (bridges and dentures). It can be helpful to select a dentist who is experienced in providing all the options (including dental implants) before you make a decision.
The reason more people are turning to dental implants in NC – and across the nation – is that they are the closest thing possible to your natural teeth. In addition to their natural appearance and feel, dental implants can help to spare nearby teeth from having to be altered to support a bridge. Tooth sparing is the golden rule of dentistry because it leads to better long-term oral health. Because dental implants are so secure and natural looking, they also provide patients with greater confidence in speaking and eating, in comparison to other options.
What makes you a good candidate for dental implants?
As you might expect, the best candidates for dental implants are people whose oral health and general health are both good. Dental implants do depend on adequate bone tissue being present in the jaw to support the posts. Healthy gums (no periodontal disease) also make you a better candidate. There are certain medical conditions, such as Type II diabetes, as well as medications and medical treatments that can reduce success rates. In general, the success rate for dental implants is very high.
Is dental implant surgery painful? How will my pain be managed?
Many dental implant surgical procedures can be performed in the comfort of a dental office using local anesthesia. One or two surgeries may be required to place the post. Some patients will simply be more comfortable and less anxious about dental implant surgery if they choose sedation dentistry (oral conscious sedation). While general anesthesia is also a possibility, it is generally not required and is far more expensive. The additional expense is attributable to the surgery being performed in a hospital or hospital-like setting with extra equipment and medical staff because of the increased risk of needing to be resuscitated from the use of deep anesthesia.
For after the surgical procedure, pain medications and, when appropriate, antibiotics are prescribed. Ask your provider of dental implants in NC to discuss your plan in detail with you, including his or her plans to help you avoid anxiety before or discomfort during the process. The procedure is safe and needn’t be painful. Plans differ because pain sensitivity as well as dental anxiety levels can vary from patient to patient. Your dental implants provider can also give you instructions on diet and oral care procedures to follow to promote healing and avoid discomfort during the weeks that follow your surgery.
What can you expect after your dental implants are complete?
Because dental implants are very much like your own teeth, they should be treated accordingly. That assumes you take good care of your own teeth, because they do require regular at-home conscientious cleaning and regular examination by your dentist. Your dental implants will need to be kept free from plaque with regular brushing and flossing. During periodic follow-up visits, your provider of dental implants in NC will be monitoring your implants, teeth, and gums to make sure they stay healthy.