You could replace teeth with implants if they went missing. Dental implant surgery is an excellent solution, and the myDentistWestRyde team explains the procedure. From this day forward, you will no longer consider missing teeth as a problem. You only have to consult your dentist to work on it. Aside from that, neglecting it will cause you more oral issues in the long run. For this reason, it would be best to address it earlier. Check out this link to know how much tooth implants cost in Australia.

Dental implants

Several options are available to replace missing teeth, depending on their condition. But in this article, we will be focusing on dental implants. These surgical fixtures serve as a replacement for tooth roots. The artificial tooth roots will then fuse with the bone later on.

Dental implants are similar to screws that dentists place into the jawbone. They will hold the replacement tooth or bridge, which usually looks like the natural teeth. On the positive side, this dental implant procedure will not affect the neighboring teeth.

You can consider watching this short video to know the reasons why you should replace a missing tooth or teeth.

Types of dental implants

Pure titanium materials make dental implants integrate with bone without being considered as foreign objects.  Their small size fits the space into the bone under the gum. For this reason, it is an excellent option in replacing missing teeth. On the other hand, implants have three types that dentists commonly use. Let us differentiate them individually.

1. Endosteal implants: This implant is the most common among the three types. These implants best suit the patients. However, the main requirement for this implant is an adequate, healthy jawbone. Additionally, it will also need time to heal before the dentist can place the artificial tooth on it.
2. Subperiosteal implants: This implant serves as the primary alternative for endosteal types. This type is not fixed to your jawbone and only rests on top of the bone. But then again, it is still under the gum. However, dentists only use this type if the patient doesn’t have enough jawbone. Besides that, the patient doesn’t want to undergo intensive oral surgery to add bone as well.
3. Zygomatic implants: These implants are the least types available and the most complicated among the three. This implant is the last option if the first two won’t work for the patient. Furthermore, the patient’s cheekbone will be the location of these implants instead of the jawbone.

As shown above, these types have different conditions, so the patient cannot choose independently. Only the dentists can decide on it because they know what’s best for the patient. Aside from that, they will base their decision on the results of their evaluation.

Surgery to replace teeth with implants

Dental implant surgery may involve several procedures. For this reason, this surgery can involve various dental professionals. Before this procedure takes place, dental professionals will make a thorough evaluation to prepare, which includes the following:

1. Comprehensive dental exam.
2. Review of the patient’s medical history.
3. Appropriate treatment plan.

The dental team should ensure that the patient will get the maximum effective results after the surgery. So, preparation is as essential as the procedure itself to achieving these results. Generally speaking, it ensures reliable support for the new teeth.

However, it might take a longer time for its healing process. The patient must wait before the dentist can attach the artificial teeth to replace the missing teeth entirely. Another critical point to consider, just like any surgery, it can also incur potential health risks, such as the following:

1. There could be a potential infection at the implant site.
2. Additionally, an injury or damage can occur to its surrounding structures.
3. Moreover, it can also damage the nerves. In effect, it can cause pain, numbness, or tingling sensation in your natural teeth.
4. Lastly, sinus problems are also possible.

On the positive side, dental implants provide more security and a comfortable fit for the patient. The patient will not worry that the implants will come out of their mouth. It is because implants integrate with your bone. With the replacement tooth, it acts as natural teeth inside your mouth.

Recovery period

A patient will need time to recover after dental implant surgery. Some patients may only take a couple of days to recover before going back to their usual routines. On the other hand, some patients might need more extended time to heal. In general, every patient has a unique oral condition, which makes the healing time different individually.

The following factors can affect the recovery time of a patient:

• Number of teeth that need replacement
• Health condition of the bone
• Bone grafting requirement
• Individual differences and healing time

The individual lifestyle habits of patients can also bring significant effects in the healing process. For example, they are smoking. For this reason, healing time can be more than expected. Aside from that, it can even affect the healing process itself.

In like manner with other surgeries, a patient will experience some discomforts. However, it should be temporarily only. Some of these side effects are bruising, swelling, minor bleeding, and pain in the treatment site. Read about the discomfort here at https://www.beyond32dental.com.au/dental-implant-pain.

Your dentist knows about these effects beforehand. For this reason, they will provide you aftercare instructions to fasten your healing process.

Post-dental care instructions

1. Take time to rest after your surgery. Concentrate on relaxing yourself first in the first few days. Avoid strenuous activities in the meantime.
2. Furthermore, you have to follow your dentist’s instructions diligently. You might not be able to brush your teeth at first since your teeth are still sensitive.
3. For bruises and swelling, an ice compress will help relieve them.
4. Do not disturb your wound’s blood clotting.
5. It would be best to take extra caution with the food you eat after surgery. Soft foods are preferably excellent.
6. If you feel pain, take the prescribed pain reliever only.
7. Be attentive to your oral condition while healing. If you notice a discomfort that lasts for a couple of days already, return to your dentist.
8. Make sure to attend follow-up checkups.

Bottom line

A missing tooth is no longer a concern. You can replace lost teeth with implants. Overall, your smile will not lack even a single tooth anymore.