Dental implants are among the latest and most effective concerns for tooth loss because they offer great naturalness, excellent function, and durability. Whether you need to replace just one tooth or several, dental implants are an enduring solution compared with dentures and bridges, safeguarding a healthy and confident smile.
Receiving dental implants entails a great deal of planning but is well worth the investment in one’s long-term oral health. Each stage of the implant process, from the initial consultation to the final placement, involves deliberate steps that assure full integration of the implant with a function like that of a natural tooth. With this in mind, if you are considering dental implants, consult a qualified dentist to determine whether or not this is the solution for you. You can then begin the process of regaining a restored confident smile.
This guide will walk you through each step of the dental implant process and explain why dental implants might be the best way to replace missing teeth.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of titanium, usually inserted surgically into the jawbone to support a replacement tooth or bridge. It provides long-lasting assistance in lost teeth due to some injury, decay, or periodontal disease. Unlike dentures or bridges, dental implants will fuse with the bone and thus provide a stable, permanent foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth.
Here’s a deeper look into dental implants and how they work:
Structure of Dental Implants
- Implant Post (Screw): This is a small, screw-like post, typically made of biocompatible titanium, which is surgically inserted into the jawbone. Over time, this post bonds with the bone through osseointegration, providing a secure foundation for the replacement tooth.
- Abutment: The abutment is a connector piece that attaches to the implant post. It sticks out slightly above the gumline and serves as the attachment point for the dental crown or bridge.
- Crown: The crown is an artificial tooth custom-made to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth. It is placed on the abutment and provides the visible part of the dental implant, resembling a real tooth in appearance and function.
Types of Dental Implants
- Endosteal Implants are the most common type of dental implant. They are placed directly into the jawbone and replace the tooth root.
- Subperiosteal Implants: These are placed under the gum, on or above the jawbone, rather than directly into the bone. This type is used for patients who don’t have a healthy jawbone and cannot undergo a bone grafting procedure.
Who Is A Good Candidate For Dental Implants?
If you are wondering, “Who does dental implants? ” The answer is that dental implants can be performed by general dentists, cosmetic dentists, oral surgeons, and periodontists. Only some people are ideal candidates for dental implants.
Key factors that determine eligibility include:
- Sufficient Bone Density: A strong jawbone is necessary to support the implant.
- Healthy Gums: Patients should have healthy gum tissue free of periodontal disease.
- Commitment to Oral Hygiene: Since dental implants require good oral care, patients must be willing to maintain a strict hygiene routine.
- Non-Smokers: Smoking can negatively affect the healing process and long-term success of implants. If you’re a smoker, your dentist may recommend quitting before undergoing the procedure.
Dental implants offer numerous advantages, such as:
- Natural Look and Feel: Implants are designed to look, feel, and function like natural teeth.
- Durability: With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime.
- Improved Comfort and Speech: Unlike dentures, implants are stable and do not slip, providing better comfort and speech.
- Bone Preservation: Implants help preserve bone by stimulating the jaw, which prevents bone deterioration often caused by missing teeth.
The Process Of Receiving Dental Implants
Dr. Andres de Cardenas, a top Miami dentist, follows a comprehensive and patient-focused approach to dental implants at De Cardenas Dental Center. His practice offers personalized care with the latest technology, ensuring patients receive high-quality and precise treatments. Here’s an elaboration on the process Dr. de Cardenas takes when performing dental implant procedures:
1. Initial Consultation and Assessment
Your first step in dental implants involves an initial consultation with your dentist or oral surgeon. During the consultation, your dentist will evaluate your mouth’s overall condition and jawbone density and discuss the treatment goals. X-rays or 3-D imaging may be taken to gauge whether you have enough healthy bone for the implant.
Depending on whether you have missing teeth, the dentist will assess if you are a good candidate for implants. According to the condition of your gums, bone density, and medical history, your dentist will determine if an implant is suitable for your case. Sometimes, it may suggest other treatments, such as bone grafting, to prepare the jaw for implants.
2. Tooth Extraction (If Necessary)
Sometimes, a tooth to be replaced may still be in place. If the tooth is extensively decayed or damaged, it may need to be removed/extruded before the implant surgery. Teeth extraction is a relatively simple procedure that your dentist or oral surgeon could perform. Sometimes, it can be done in the same visit while placing the implant.
3. Bone Grafting (If Needed)
If your jawbone doesn’t have sufficient density to support the dental implant, you might need a bone graft. In bone grafting, small pieces of bone material from your own body, or a synthetic substitute, are placed in the area where the implant is supposed to be. This strengthens your jawbone while anchoring the implant with a rock-solid base.
Bone grafting might take several months to complete the implant process, as this is the time it takes for new bone to integrate with old bone fully. This is a critical step that will ensure the long-lasting success of your dental implant.
4. Implant Placement Surgery
Once the jawbone is ready, dental implant surgery can start. The oral surgeon or cosmetic dentist inserts the titanium implant post into the jawbone during this procedure. Local anesthesia is usually applied to numb the area, although sedation options are available if you prefer.
To achieve this, the surgeon will make an incision in the gum to expose the jawbone and then drill a hole into the bone where the implant post will go. Immediately after that, the titanium implant is secured in the bone, and the gum tissue is stitched over the implant to protect the area while healing takes place.
5. Healing and Osseointegration
After the implant is placed, osseointegration begins. This is the duration in which the titanium implant begins to integrate with the jawbone by developing a strong and stable connection. Osseointegration can take 3 to 6 months, depending on your body’s recovery potential and jawbone condition.
During this period, regular oral hygiene must be practiced, and the dentist’s care instructions must also be followed to avoid infection and ensure the implant heals appropriately.
6. Abutment Placement
Once osseointegration is complete, the next step is placing the abutment- a small connector holding the dental crown, the visible part of the artificial tooth. This includes reopening the gum tissue and attaching the abutment to the metal implant, allowing the gum to heal around it for about two weeks.
7. Custom Dental Crown Placement
The dental implant is finally completed with the attachment of a dental crown to the abutment. The dental crown is made to be about the same size, shape, and color as the surrounding natural teeth. This is very natural in appearance and aesthetically pleasing. Sometimes, more than one crown may be fastened to a bridge when several teeth are replaced.
Once attached to the implant, the crown completes the procedure, allowing you to enjoy a fully functional set of new teeth that look and feel like your natural teeth.
What To Expect During Recovery
Immediately after the placement, post-operative care, as instructed by your dentist, will be necessary. Included may be the following:
- Pain management: You should expect minimal swelling or discomfort during and after surgery; this can be managed by taking over-the-counter pain medications or per a dentist’s prescription.
- Oral hygiene: Dental care should be taken to prevent infection around the implant area. Your dentist will provide specific guidelines for brushing and flossing during healing.
- Follow-up: These follow-up appointments will enable the doctor to monitor how well the implant is healing and your dentin’s general health.
If considering dental implants, one must consult with a qualified dental professional who will decide on a course of action that suits each person’s individual needs.
Dr. de Cardenas’s team utilizes state-of-the-art technology, including digital planning tools and guided implant surgery, allowing more accurate and less invasive procedures. His patient-centered approach ensures that each patient receives the best care in a comfortable and supportive environment. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene to extend the implant’s life. He provides personalized recommendations for home care and routine professional cleanings. For those searching for dental implant specialists in Miami, set an appointment to discover how dental implants can change your smile and quality of life.
