What Are Dental Implants?

Having a dental implant can help you achieve a healthy and beautiful smile. Aside from improving your appearance, a dental implant can also help to keep your jaw bone healthy and stable. This will prevent bone loss, improve your oral health and chewing ability, and boost your confidence.

Dental implants are a type about artificial tooth root that are placed in the jaw to replace a missing tooth. They are surgically anchored to the jawbone, and are typically made of titanium. During the procedure, the surgeon will numb the area with a long-lasting pain medication. They may also prescribe prescription pain medicine for the patient to take at home. The patient can then return to their normal diet as soon as the procedure is complete.

Dental implants come in a variety of forms. They can be used to replace a single tooth, several adjacent teeth, or even all of the teeth in a jaw. Implants are made of titanium, a metal that is biocompatible. This material also has the property of osseointegration, which means that it is highly compatible with the bone of the jaw.

Implants are usually placed in the jawbone, but they may also be used to support removable or fixed dentures. The type of dental implant you choose depends on your needs and the amount of bone available for the implant. A consultation with your dentist will help you determine whether implants are right for you. There are different types of dental implants, which will increase the cost of the procedure. Check out this website at http://www.huffingtonpost.com/news/orthodontics/ for more info about dentist.

The initial procedure may involve a single stage, where the implant is placed on the gum tissue. If there is not enough bone available for the implant, the surgeon may use a metal frame that has a post attached to it. This type of procedure is only used if the patient does not wish to undergo a more extensive oral surgery.

A two-stage procedure is also available. The first stage involves a small pilot hole that is drilled into the jaw. This is then slowly widened to accommodate the implant screw. A protective cover screw is then placed on top of the implant to allow the site to heal. Once the site has healed, a permanent crown can be attached to the abutment. The second stage involves follow-up visits to check the fit and functionality of the crown.

Depending on the location of the implant, the patient may have to undergo additional procedures. For example, if the area where the implant is placed is in the sinus cavity, a bone additive may be added to strengthen the bone. These additives will help to prevent bone loss in the sinus area, a common problem in patients who lose their upper back teeth.

Dental implants also require proper dental hygiene. Brushing, flossing, and regular professional check-ups are important. Smoking may also negatively affect the health about your implants. It is important to avoid smoking after the treatment, and for at least a few weeks following the procedure.