Dental Implants

Dental Implants are becoming increasingly popular among many adults. Statistics show that 69% of adults ages 35 to 44 have lost at least one permanent tooth to an accident, gum disease, a failed root canal or tooth decay. Furthermore, by age 74, 26% of adults have lost all of their permanent teeth.

You may have not known this, but dental implants are more often than not; the best treatment option for replacing missing teeth. You see dentures rest on the gum line and bridges use adjacent teeth as anchors. Dental implants are long-term replacements that your dental surgeon will surgically place in the jawbone.

First Procedure
Dental implant procedures involve 3 hour long sessions. The first two are surgeries, followed by a crown or bridge fitting. The first surgery will involve implanting the metal rods into your jaw line. There will be some discomfort after the surgery but it usually isn't too extreme. After this surgery you will want to avoid sucking on straws, spitting and smoking. Your Surgeon may advise that you avoid brushing that area for a short amount of time, and may prescribe you an anti-bacterial rinse.  You will also be given pain medication. In about 7-10 days your stitches will be taken out.

Second Procedure
Your second surgery will be in approximately 4-6 months. Once the implants have attached to the bone, the Surgeon will make a small cut in the gum and remove the protective screw in the implant and replace it with a metal healing cap. Make sure to keep your openings clean as there may be the risk of infection with implants. Speak with your dentist if you feel any sort of pain.

Third Procedure
Two or three weeks after your second surgery you will go back to the dentist's office and begin having your bridge, denture, or crown made.

Benefits
Dental Implants never slip or make embarrassing noises that advertise the fact that you have "false teeth," and never decay like teeth anchoring fixed bridges. Because dental implants fuse with the jawbone, bone loss is generally not a problem. After more than 20 years of service, the vast majority of dental implants first placed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons in the United States continue to still function at peak performance. More importantly, the recipients of those early dental implants are still satisfied they made the right choice. If properly cared for, dental implants can last a lifetime.

Your new teeth will look and feel natural, and many patients have reported improved speech and breathing. But, you’ll still have to take care of it like your own teeth – see the dentist regularly, ensure proper hygiene and stop bad habits which can ruin your new implants.

Citations - http://www.aaoms.org/dental_implants.php