If you are missing one or more teeth, you are probably considering getting them replaced. Dental implants have become a popular option for teeth replacement. Although there are many benefits of this option, it is not necessarily the right choice for everyone. Along with meeting the requirements of what it takes to be a good candidate, you should understand what the procedure involves, as it is a long process.
Many people choose implants because of their many benefits. These include:
One thing to be aware of when considering implants is that it is not a quick process. There are numerous steps, and many of them require healing time before the next one can occur. Depending on if additional steps are needed and each individual's healing time, the entire process can range from seven months to longer than a year.
The first step is to have a consultation with the dentist to see if you are a candidate for dental implants. The dentist will conduct an exam, including X-rays, to make sure there are no underlying dental issues and that there is adequate jawbone to hold the implants.
Other characteristics of a good candidate include having good oral hygiene habits and being a non-smoker, over the age of 18, and free from illnesses or conditions that interfere with healing or blood clotting. A good candidate should also be patient and understand that the new teeth will not appear in just one or two visits.
This is an additional step that not all patients will need. Extraction is called for if you had a decayed tooth that you are going to replace with an implant. The tooth would need to be taken out first, and then the area would need to heal before the implant process could begin.
This is another step that applies to a smaller percentage of patients. Although good jawbone mass is a characteristic of a good candidate, a bone graft may be a possibility for those with insufficient bone density. During the graft procedure, the dentist uses synthetic material or a bone from another place in the body and adds it to your existing jaw. This must heal before implants can be placed, and this can take at least four months.
The first official step of the implant process is to insert the dental implants, which are titanium rods, into the jawbone. These will provide a stable foundation and serve as the roots of the artificial teeth. The dentist cuts through the gums and then screws in the rods. After this step, time is needed for the gums to heal and for the implants to become part of the bone. Healing time can range from four to seven months.
Next, the dentist places a healing cap flush with the gums. This is placed right at the end of each implant, and it helps prepare the gum tissue for the next steps. This area needs to heal for up to two weeks before the next step.
This consists of attaching a metal connector, known as an abutment, to the dental implants. The gums are cut open to reveal the implants, and an abutment is attached to each one, replacing the healing cap. Because the abutment rises up above the gumline and is visible when the mouth is open, the dentist will usually place a temporary crown to cover it up. The gums then need to heal, which can take up to six weeks.
During the healing time, the permanent crowns, which will be the artificial teeth, will be made in a lab. These are based on a mold of your mouth and teeth, and they match the color and shade of your natural teeth. It takes about two to three weeks for the crowns to be made.
Once the gums are healed and the permanent crowns are ready, the artificial teeth are attached to the dental implants. The dentist will either use cement to hold a crown in place or screw it onto the abutment.
If you need to replace missing teeth, dental implants may be the right choice. Discuss the pros and cons with your dentist and see if you are a good candidate for the procedure.
Request an appointment here: https://brimhalldentalgroup.com or call Brimhall Dental Group at 6612491122 for an appointment in our Bakersfield office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Implants in Bakersfield, CA.
There are two basic options available for replacing missing teeth: dental implants and dentures. Both offer options for replacing all the teeth or just a few. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. If you are in need of tooth replacement but not sure which option you should choose, there are some factors you should…
You may have heard about dental implants as a solution for a missing tooth, but did you know they can replace multiple missing teeth as well? This guide provides you with all of the information you should know about dental implants before you decide whether or not they are appropriate for your teeth replacement needs.Dental…
As someone with one or more missing teeth, you may be wondering how natural dental implants will look. The thought of others noticing that your teeth are not original may worry you or make you feel self-conscious. Here are some details on how dental implants work and appear.If you are new to the world of…
Dental implants are oral restorations that replace lost teeth roots, preventing the bone tissue breakdown that can take place when a tooth falls out of the mouth. Implants also serve as bases for restorations like crowns, dentures, and bridges to replace missing teeth.Placing an implant in a person’s jaw requires minor oral surgery, so patients…
Whether you can use toothpaste for denture care is a common question many people wonder when they first get dentures. The short answer to this question is no; you cannot. But why is it that you can’t use toothpaste on dentures? Let’s find out.Dentures are made of a less sturdy material than your natural teeth.…
The best cleaning solution for denture care varies from person to person. Using a toothbrush and water is not enough to clean dentures completely. This can lead to plaque buildup on your dentures, especially in the crevices of the mouth. To avoid this problem, dentists recommend using dental solutions specifically designed to clean dentures. Denture…