For many years now, dental implants have been considered as one of the best treatment options available to replace missing teeth. While some still see the procedure as complex and costly, those who have tried it can attest to how straightforward and practical the procedure is.
Although many patients have resorted to dental implants baton rouge la, many are still not fully aware of the ins and outs of the procedure. For instance, many people are not sure if they are good candidates for dental implants, how the dental implant procedure works, and how much it costs.
Simply put, dental implants are the artificial tooth roots that fuse with the jawbone. Dental implants are designed to mimic the look, feel, and function of the natural tooth. However, since every patient has different needs and circumstances, the dental implant procedure can vary from one patient to another.
The Dental Implant Procedure
How dental implant surgery is done will depend on several factors like the condition of the jawbone and the type of implant used. Depending on the patient, the dental implant procedure can involve several procedures. One great benefit of dental implants is they function as robust support for the artificial teeth.
The process will entail that the bone heals tightly and fuses successfully with the dental implant. Since healing can take time, the process might take a few months. A thorough evaluation will also be carried out since for some patients, dental implants can require other procedures before it can be carried out.
The dental implant evaluation process can include the following:
- Thorough dental exam. This involves the use of 3D images and X-rays to create models of the teeth and jaw.
- Review of medical history. You need to inform your doctor about any medications you are taking including prescriptions, supplements, and over-the-counter medications. You also need to inform your dentist about any medical conditions you have. If you have orthopedic implants, your doctor might prescribe antibiotics before the procedure to ensure infection is avoided.
- Treatment plan. A treatment plan will be created based on your specific case. The treatment plan will consider key factors such as the condition of your jawbone and the number of teeth that need to be replaced.
When Bone Grafting is Needed
If your jawbone is not thick enough or is too soft, bone grafting might be needed. This is important since the mouth’s chewing action will put tremendous pressure on the bone. If it can’t support the implant, the procedure might fail. A bone graft can help ensure there is a robust base for the implant.
Several bone graft materials are used when rebuilding the jawbone. Options can include natural or synthetic bone graft. The former involves taking a bone from another part of the body while the latter involves the use of bone-substitute material that can help support growth of new bones.
How Dental Implants Work
If you have a missing tooth (or two) and you don’t like bridges and dentures, dental implants is one great option you can look into. Dental implants are also preferred by many as they are considered a more natural tooth replacement option. The artificial teeth are also directly attached to the jawbone.
To be considered a good candidate for the dental implant procedure, you need to have a healthy and fully developed jawbone. You need to also be in good health. Healthy gums and jawbone are both required to support the dental implants.
Undeniably, dental implants look more natural compared to other options like dentures and bridges. Moreover, dental implants are also made of titanium so they won’t have any adverse reactions when attached to the jawbone.
