A dental implant is a metal post that is attached directly into your jaw and acts as artificial roots, or a mount, for your replacement tooth. While dental implants are put into place all of the time by skilled restorative dentists, those who have never had a dental implant before may have no idea what to expect.
This can lead to a feeling of nervousness, as well as a lot of questions. Here are three important questions people have about dental implants.
What Makes Me A Good Candidate For A Dental Implant?
One of the first questions someone may think of when they are considering a dental implant, is whether or not they are even a good candidate to get one. In order to be considered for the procedure, you will likely need to have lost one or more teeth.
On top of this, it is ideal that you have healthy teeth and gums and are in good health overall. This means that you need to practice proper brushing and flossing techniques, as well as have regular visits with your dentist to ensure that your teeth are in good health and there are no underlying issues.
Things such as smoking or chewing tobacco, can have a big effect on the health of your mouth and whether or not you are considered a good candidate. It is also important that you have a strong jaw that can successfully hold the implant in place.
Why Should I Choose A Dental Implant?
Another question that many people ask is why they should choose a dental implant rather than some other kind of dental treatment. For one thing, dental implants allow you to effectively get a tooth in place without affecting any of your surrounding teeth.
The implantation of the metal post and attachment of the new tooth will only affect the area where the tooth was missing. Also, because the dental implant is made of metal, and is attached to the bone of your jaw, it is going to create a very strong base for your tooth.
This means that you don't have to worry about the tooth coming out. In terms of caring for your dental implant, it is much like caring for the rest of your teeth, so you won't have to make any big adjustments in your dental care routine.
What Is The Dental Implant Procedure And Recovery Like?
If you've decided that you feel a dental implant is a good option for you, then you may begin wondering what the actual procedure and recovery entail. The procedure itself generally begins by removing the damaged tooth from your mouth.
The next step involves preparing your jaw for surgery, potentially by grafting in bone to make it strong enough to hold the implant. Once your jaw has healed, you can then have the metal post of the dental implant placed right into the bone. Lastly, your tooth will be created and placed on the metal post.
In terms of recovering fully from the procedure, you actually do some of your healing during the actual implant process. The full recovery time from start to finish is generally around 9 months.
The first couple of days following the implantation of your metal post, it is important that you use gauze to help catch any blood, that you avoid food and drinks that are either very hot or cold, and that you brush carefully when brushing the part of your mouth where the implant is located. By doing this, you help the implant to heal properly and keep it free from infection.
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