Dental implant surgery is a treatment to replace a missing tooth or teeth. The implant is an artificial root that is very much like a screw. The implant is titanium alloy and anchors the crown (the artificial tooth) in place so it looks and functions like the real thing. It enables you to have natural-looking teeth that look great and will give you your confidence back. This post talks about the advantages of the procedure and what to expect in this process of restoring your smile.

Advantages of Dental Implants

A lot of people feel self-conscious about having missing teeth. Dental implants can help you to restore your confidence. However, an implant is not the only way that you can replace a missing tooth. There are a number of other options available, including dental bridges and dentures. Dental bridges are false teeth affixed to existing teeth on either side. Dentures, either partial or full, are a set of teeth that either stay in place via suction or implants.

Your periodontist will determine which solution is best for you. Implants are highly popular, but whether or not this is right for you will depend on a number of different things. A few determining factors include the condition of your remaining gums and teeth, and which teeth are missing.

Why Is Dental Implant Surgery the Most Popular Solution?

One of the main reasons why people consider dental implant surgery is because they are a more permanent option when compared with dentures. Implants can last as long as your natural teeth if properly cared for. On the other hand, dentures tend to last for up to 10 years. They can become less comfortable because of changes in the shape of your mouth as time goes on. The crowns attached to the implants also look and function like real teeth, and maintaining them is the same as your natural teeth.

Another reason why people prefer implants is that they are the best option for avoiding damage to your existing teeth. If you need a dental bridge, sometimes your periodontist will need to shape your natural teeth to fit the bridge.

Are You a Good Candidate?

You are a good candidate for dental implant surgery if the following applies:

• Have one or more missing teeth
• Your jawbone has reached full growth
• Have healthy oral tissues
• Do not have any medical conditions that will impact healing
• Have an adequate amount of bone to hold the implants
• Do not smoke tobacco
• Willing to commit the time needed for the process

If you are unsure whether or not this is the right treatment for you, discuss it with your periodontist during your consultation.

The Dental Implant Procedure

Dental implant treatment is a type of outpatient surgery. The implant is created using titanium and other materials that will fuse with your jawbone, imitating the root of the tooth. This artificial root then enables the periodontist to secure your replacement teeth, ensuring they are stable and will blend with the teeth surrounding the implant.

You will need a few appointments to complete the procedure. This includes the consultation, the surgery to place the implant, and then another appointment to attach the artificial tooth or teeth to the implant(s).

What Should You Expect During the Procedure?

During the first phase of the treatment, the implant is surgically placed. The periodontist will use anesthesia to thoroughly numb the mouth. An incision is made into your gums so the implant can be inserted into the jawbone. After the placement of the implant, the periodontist will close the gums over the implant so that it can fully heal.

You will be able to recover at your home. The healing period takes about 3-6 months. This ensures that there is sufficient time for the bone to grow around the implant, making it strong enough to stay in place. This allows the bone and the titanium to combine properly.

Every patient heals differently. For some people, it does not take as long. Once the periodontist is sure the implant is secure, the periodontist places the abutment over the implant post. This is a connecting piece that will ensure the new tooth is held in place. Once your gums heal, the periodontist will make impressions of your teeth to create a crown, which is a custom replacement tooth. The crown will then be attached to the abutment.

What to Expect After Dental Implant Surgery

Whether you have had dental implant treatment in one or numerous stages, you may encounter some of the typical discomforts that are linked with any sort of dental surgery. This includes the following:

• Minor bleeding
• Pain at the implant site
• Bruising of your gums
• Swelling of your face and gums

After each stage of the treatment, it may be necessary to consume soft foods while the surgical site is healing. In most cases, your periodontist will use stitches that dissolve themselves.

Contact Us About Dental Implant Surgery

If you would like to learn more about dental implant surgery, or you are ready to book a consultation, get in touch with our team today. They will be more than happy to answer any questions that you may have. Dr. Newhart services patients from Marietta, OH, in addition to Parkersburg, WV, and the surrounding areas. If you need a periodontist and you are in Marietta, OH, or a nearby town, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Newhart for periodontal services.