Dental implants are metal rods or screws (typically titanium) that are inserted into gum tissues as a general dentistry procedure. They are combined with restorations like crowns, dentures, and bridges to replace missing teeth.
Implants help ward off the bone tissue loss that people with missing teeth can find themselves dealing with. The implant transfers bite forces into the jawbone, giving the tissues there the stimulation that they need to remain healthy.
Many patients are considering replacing one or more missing teeth with dental implants. Let us take a look at questions to ask the dentist first.
The procedure entails surgically placing the implant into bone tissues in the jaw. Local anesthetics are typically administered, so the patient does not feel pain as the dentist cuts into their jaw. A hole is made right where the replacement tooth will be placed, and the implant is then pushed into the hole.
Bone tissues surrounding the implant hold it in place in the same way that wood holds a nail in place. The implant then fuses with the bone tissues around it, making it stable in the mouth. The procedure ends with the dentist attaching a restoration to the implant.
Implants are created to last a lifetime with good oral hygiene. They are typically made out of titanium, one of the strongest metals in the world. They do not require any special maintenance, so they are easy to maintain. Brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits are necessary to get the most out of implants.
No, it is virtually impossible to tell when someone has implants. They are designed to look and feel just like natural teeth. The implant lies below the gums, so when a patient smiles, all people see is the restoration replacing the lost tooth. The only way to find out if a person has an implant is to use a radiograph to detect the metal in their mouth or simply ask them.
It is the same process as maintaining natural teeth. Brush twice a day, floss once daily, and use mouthwash to clean areas that brushing and flossing miss. Mouthwash also reduces bacteria in the mouth, protecting the gum tissues surrounding the implant.
Implants require oral surgery, so there are eligibility requirements that anyone interested in implants must meet. These include:
Some of the benefits of getting dental implants include:
Implant-supported dentures are hybrid oral prosthetics that combine the stability and bone preserving properties of implants with the affordability of dentures.
Implants are excellent for replacing individual teeth, but the costs can quickly get out of hand. Implants are the priciest way to restore missing teeth. A single implant often costs more than a full set of dentures.
Implant-supported dentures involve inserting multiple implants into each dental arch and using them as bases for artificial teeth. Implant-supported dentures can be removable or non-removable.
It takes between three to six months to replace a lost tooth with an implant. However, same-day dental implants involve placing a restoration on the implant right after it is surgically placed in the jaw. The restoration is typically temporary, and it is removed after the implant has fused with the jaw and replaced with a permanent restoration.
Give us a call or stop by our San Antonio location to learn more about implants and other ways that our dentist can replace your missing teeth.
Request an appointment here: https://www.hardyoakfamilydentistry.com or call Hardy Oak Family Dentistry at (210) 787-1535 for an appointment in our San Antonio office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Implants in San Antonio, TX.
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