Dental Implants: Procedure, Benefits, and Aftercare
There are different reasons why one may lose their teeth, including oral cancer, mouth injuries, poor oral hygiene, and so much more. In addition, for some people, having a missing tooth or teeth can be embarrassing, and they want to maintain or improve the aesthetic of their smile.
Dental implants are the best solution for replacing a missing tooth. Read this piece to understand the procedure, benefits, and aftercare for dental implants Baltimore.
Dental Implants Procedure
The procedure for getting dental implants near you begins with a dental evaluation. Your dentist will conduct a thorough examination to determine the state of your jawbones before the procedure. This will include x-rays, taking impressions, and matching the color of the teeth to give the implant a natural look.
Your dentist will then extract any tooth remaining on the jawbone before any dental work is done. They will also discuss the type of anesthesia options they will use during the procedure. After which, they will insert the dental implant into your jawbone. If your jawbone’s strength is compromised, bone grafting has to be done. Next, the bone is removed from another path of the jawbone far away from the implant site.
Once the implant is stable and healed enough, the abutment is placed on the dental implant. This is used to connect the dental implant to the crown. After the gums are healed completely, the dentist will make your crown. This is by taking impressions of your teeth and making either permanent or temporary crowns.
Canton Crossing Dental offers dental implants in Baltimore, MD. We have a professional staff ready to offer the services that you may need.
Benefits of Dental Implants
While dental implants may be a little strange at first, there are several benefits that one can enjoy. They include:
- 1. Dental implants act just like natural teeth.
Dental implants restore full chewing power. Most patients find it difficult to differentiate dental implants from their natural teeth. They can eat with it, brush and floss normally.
- 2. Dental Implants are durable and last longer.
Tooth implants can last a lifetime, unlike dental bridges, which may only last 10years if maintained well. The implants are made from titanium integrated into the jawbone. The titanium is biocompatible; therefore, it is not toxic and cannot be rejected by the body.
- 3. Implants prevent facial sagging and premature aging
Facial sagging can result from bone loss caused by missing teeth. This is when a third of your lower face starts to collapse, closing the distance between the top of your nose and chin. The changes may include thinning lips, excess wrinkles in the mouth and a more pointed chin that makes you look a lot older than your true age
- 4. Dental implants keep the adjacent teeth stable
When there is a gap between your teeth caused by a missing tooth, it may cause the adjacent teeth to shift towards the gap. This may pull your teeth out of position, affecting your bite, appearance, and ability to chew. It can also interfere with your teeth and make tooth replacement more difficult later. A poor bite may also cause a temporomandibular disorder.
- 5. Dental Implants can keep you free of gum disease.
A missing tooth gap can harbor bacteria and food remains, leading to gum disease. Dental implants which replace the missing teeth will keep your oral cavity free of gum diseases.
Aftercare for Dental Implants
Whether the dental implant surgery is one stage or has multiple stages, you are likely to experience some discomforts such as swelling of your face and gums, bruising of your gums and skin, minor bleeding, and pain at the implant site.
These discomforts may be relieved by medications or antibiotics after dental implant surgery. However, if the pain, swelling, or any other discomfort worsens, you might need to see your dentist Baltimore, MD.
Your dental practitioner will also recommend that you take soft foods such as porridge, soup, or apple source.
It is also recommended that you eat other foods as you recover.
You’ll also be advised to maintain a healthy oral care routine such as brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits to your dentist.