Losing teeth can cause other teeth to shift from positions, leading to severe misalignment issues. Besides being more conscious of your smile, you may also have problems eating your favorite foods. For decades, dentures were considered the best way to replace missing teeth, but not anymore. Today, we have dental implants that offer a much better alternative for restoring a patient’s smile and chewing function. If you check for dental implants in Philadelphia, you will find two options – endosteal and subperiosteal. This post delves deep into the procedure.
Initial evaluation
Your dentist will start with an assessment where they will check the condition of your teeth and gums. They will also check if you have enough jawbone to hold the implants. Some patients may need pretreatments, such as bone grafting, before getting implants. X-rays and additional imaging tests will help the dentist plan the procedure. Pretreatments may require more time.
Getting implants
Implant surgery is usually done under local anesthesia, although in some cases, the dentist may consider IV sedation or general anesthesia. If you have dental anxiety, let the dentist know. An endosteal implant is drilled into the jawbone. The surgeon will first cut the gums and expose the jawbone. The next step is to drill holes into the bone to insert the implant. The procedure shouldn’t take more than an hour, but a lot depends on the number of implant posts being placed. A subperiosteal implant, on the other hand, is placed on the jawbone. There is no downtime, and most patients can go back to their routine work immediately. If general anesthesia is used, a patient may have to wait longer before they can return home.
Osseointegration
The recovery time after the surgery can be longer. The dentist will wait for new bone to grow around the implant screws, and the process is called osseointegration. It can take anywhere between two to six months, and if you are concerned about the missing teeth, ask your dentist if you can consider temporary dentures. Once the implant site heals and the osseointegration process is complete, the dentist will add a connector to each implant. These connectors are called abutments. The abutment serves as the foundation for replacement teeth. It can take a few weeks for the gums to heal after abutment placement.
Getting replacement teeth
The final step is to take bite impressions to order replacement teeth. Depending on the positions and number of missing teeth, you can choose between dentures, crowns, and bridges. Restorations can be permanent or fixed. Implant-based bridges have crowns on both ends that go over abutments, and the restoration can replace two or more missing teeth in a row. Dentures are recommended when a patient is missing many teeth. Dental implant surgery has come a long way, and today, it is possible to replace all teeth of a patient with just four posts.
Facts worth knowing about implants
Dental implants can last a lifetime, but restorations require replacement. Mostly, dentures, crowns, and bridges last for a decade or fifteen years, after which your dentist will order new ones. Contrary to popular belief, the procedure doesn’t hurt, and the success rate is high. Even if you are missing all of your teeth and have implant-based restorations, you have to be very particular about your oral hygiene habits. Regular brushing and flossing are highly recommended, and you should schedule dental checkups every six months. Implants can cost more, and there are variables, such as the need for pretreatments and number of teeth being replaced. Ask the dental clinic if they have payment options, especially if your insurance doesn’t cover the expenses.
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