When it comes to tooth replacement, El Dorado Hills dental implants are becoming more popular than ever. They’re a long-lasting and natural-looking solution for missing teeth. Although getting a dental implant may seem daunting, the benefits are worth it.
Understanding Dental Implants
What Is a Dental Implant?
Dental implants can be an excellent option for restoring your smile and improving your quality of life if you’re missing or have damaged teeth. A dental implant is a surgical component inserted into the jawbone as an artificial tooth root supporting a crown, bridge, or denture. Moreover, the implant is made of biocompatible materials, such as titanium or zirconia.
What Does Dental Implant Surgery Look Like?
Evaluation and Planning
During your initial consultation and examination, your dentist will evaluate your oral health to determine if you’re a good candidate for an implant. The evaluation process involves the following:
- taking a detailed medical and dental history
- performing a thorough examination of your mouth and teeth
- taking diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays or CT scans, to assess your jawbone’s condition and surrounding teeth
Based on this information, your dentist will develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and goals. Furthermore, they’ll discuss the treatment options with you, including the type of implant, the number of implants needed, and the type of restorations you can use.
Implant Placement
If you’re a good candidate, your dentist will surgically place the implant into your jawbone under local anesthesia. In some cases, they may also use sedation to make you feel more comfortable.
The dentist makes an incision in the gum tissue to expose the jawbone and uses specialized drills to create a small hole in the bone for the implant. Once the implant is placed, they’ll stitch the gum tissue back together. The procedure may take a few hours to complete.
Osseointegration
It’s important to note that the healing period after implant placement is critical to the treatment’s success. During this time, the implant body will gradually fuse with the surrounding jawbone in osseointegration. This process typically takes several months and requires careful monitoring to ensure the implant is firmly anchored in the bone, healing correctly, and supporting the replacement tooth’s weight.
Your dentist will schedule follow-up appointments to check the healing progress and the implant’s stability and security. They may also provide instructions on caring for your implant during this time, such as avoiding hard or chewy foods that could stress the implant.
Abutment Placement
Once the implant has fully integrated with your jawbone, your dentist will schedule a second procedure to uncover the implant and attach a connector piece called an abutment to the top of the implant. This component links your implant and restoration, such as a crown, bridge, or denture, that they’ll place on top of the abutment.
During this procedure, the dentist will create a small opening in the gum tissue to expose the implant and attach the abutment using a small screw. Next, they’ll take impressions of the abutment and surrounding teeth to create a custom restoration that perfectly fits your mouth.
Restoration Placement
The dentist attaches the custom-made restoration to the abutment as the final step in the dental implant process. Depending on the type of restoration, this process may involve cementing a crown unto the abutment or attaching a bridge or denture to multiple implants.
Once the restoration is securely in place, your dentist will check its fit, your bite, and the overall function of the implant and restoration. They’ll make minor adjustments to ensure everything feels comfortable and functions as it should.
What Are the Benefits of Getting Dental implants?
Restored Functionality
One of the main benefits of dental implants is that they can restore dental functionality. Unlike other tooth replacement options like dentures, implants are designed to function like natural teeth, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
Improved Oral Health
Dental implants can also improve oral health by preventing bone loss and preserving your jawbone’s structure and integrity. When a tooth is lost, the bone tissue in the surrounding area can begin to deteriorate, leading to further tooth loss and other oral health issues.
Dental implants can help maintain jawbone density and volume by providing a stable anchor for the restoration.
Long-Lasting Results
These artificial tooth roots are known for their durability and longevity. It’s worth noting that dental implants have one of the highest success rates of any dental procedure, with studies showing success rates of more than 95%. Dental implants can last for many years and even a lifetime with proper care and maintenance.
Improved Appearance
Dental implants can also improve the appearance of your smile by filling in gaps left by missing teeth. Since they’re designed to look and feel like natural teeth, they provide a seamless and natural-looking restoration.
Increased Confidence
Finally, they can help boost your self-confidence by providing a natural-looking and functional restoration. You can feel more comfortable eating, speaking, and smiling in public with implants. As a result, they can positively impact your overall well-being and quality of life.
How Can I Care for My Dental Implants?
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Maintaining good oral hygiene after getting an implant can help prevent infection and ensure the implant’s longevity. For these reasons, you’ll want to brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily to eliminate plaque and food particles that can accumulate around the implant.
Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush
A soft-bristled toothbrush helps prevent damage to the implant and the surrounding gum tissue. You’ll want to avoid using a hard-bristled toothbrush or abrasive toothpaste because these can leave scratches on the implant surface.
Use an Antibacterial Mouthwash
Using an antibacterial mouthwash can help to kill bacteria around the implant and prevent infection. Don’t forget to ask your dentist for a recommendation on a safe mouthwash for dental implants.
Avoid Chewing Hard Foods
It’s best to avoid chewing on hard foods, such as ice or hard candy, to avoid causing damage to the implant body or the crown on top of it. You’ll also want to avoid using your teeth to tear open packaging or open bottles.
Quit Smoking
Smoking increases the risk of implant failure by reducing blood flow to the implant site and slowing the healing process. If you smoke, you must quit or at least reduce your smoking.
Ensure Regular Dental Visits
Regular dental checkups and cleanings are important for maintaining good oral health. They also help identify issues with the implant early on.
Considering El Dorado Hills Dental Implants?
At Forest Ridge Dental Group, we offer high-quality care for the whole family. Our state-of-the-art facility and outstanding service ensure the finest dental care in a comfortable and soothing atmosphere. Contact us today to make an appointment.
