Teeth are the hardest part of our body. Our teeth play a vital role in looking and maintaining good health since chewing food provides us with energy, strength and even helps keep our digestive system working correctly. Losing one’s teeth can be frustrating since it drastically changes their lifestyle to not having teeth. Many people turn to dental implants in Beaumont to restore their lost teeth and those that want a noticeable change in their smiles.
A dental implant is a method used in dentistry to fit a replacement tooth root made of titanium into the jawbone, which serves as the fixture for an artificial tooth or teeth. It is considered the best replacement for missing teeth since it functions just like tooth roots do.
Who Can Get Dental Implants?
You qualify for implants based on your medical history, the status of jawbone and gums where the implant will be placed, overall health condition, age, and level of activity. Implants may not be an option for people with uncontrolled chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease since their conditions may interfere with the healing process.
People with very low body weight or who suffer from malnutrition due to age-related factors should also not get implants since they are at risk of not getting enough nutrients to support bone and tissue recovery following surgery. Smokers can also not get dental implants since smoking may inhibit the bone and tissue recovery around the implant.
What Are The Steps In Getting Dental Implants?
Before getting dental implants, the first thing you will do is to go through a “Sedation Dentistry.” This conscious sedation medications Dental helps you relax and reduces anxiety as well as pain during the surgery.
The implantation will start by making an incision near your gum line and inserting a cylindrical titanium post into the jawbone. It is called an abutment and will serve as the fixture for your replacement tooth or teeth. Then, all you have to do is place and secure your artificial tooth or teeth on top of the abutment.
The entire dental implant procedure will usually take a few hours, and you will be able to go home right after that. You must not eat or drink anything before going home, so bring someone to drive you back to your place. Upon returning home, avoid rinsing your mouth with water until being advised by your dentist.
Recovery Period And Care
Since your gums and jawbone must heal after getting dental implants, you need to follow a strict care regimen. You will have to take antibiotics for 1-2 weeks and avoid eating anything hard until grafting has been completed. In the case of implant crowns, you should not eat anything hot or sharp until the gums have adapted to the crown. In the case of implant bridges, you should eat soft foods for a few weeks and avoid smoking for at least three months.
In summary, dental implants can help you find a replacement tooth root if you lose a tooth. Your medical history, condition of your jawbone and gums, age, and level of activity determine if you can get implants. The process involves the use of anesthesia or sedation and lasts a few hours. You need to follow a strict regimen to allow your jaws to heal.