If you are included among the many who is suffering from dental problems, for sure you have come across the treatment and or the procedure known as “implants” since dentures are not more of a long-term and permanent solution.
Besides, implants, from how they are called are fixed and provide the patient a more realistic feel of having and using their own teeth. Not only do implants improve the confidence of the patient to smile broadly, but there are also numerous oral health benefits such as protecting the jawbone, gums, and other “normal” teeth. Implants also support the patient’s overall facial structure, eating, and speaking.
With that basic information, there might still be some questions on whether implants are the most appropriate solution for your dental problems. Read below to find out the most common questions asked regarding this procedure.
How Are Implants Fixed?
When an adult loses their tooth, it’s not like a new one will grow to replace the one they lost. Not only is a missing tooth or teeth embarrassing, there are also oral complications to look out for. One of those is the jawbone’s deterioration. To prevent this, getting dental implants is the answer. The procedure is started with bone grafting so the screw that would replace the root of the lost tooth would fuse with the jawbone.
This will take four to five months to heal and at times, even depend on the type of bone graft. Once your dentist sees that you are fully healed, you are now ready to receive the implants. Healing from this also takes time and you would need to rest after since there could be some swelling and pain. If there are no complications or issues, the implant could last for a long time, even a lifetime.
Is Implants Suitable for Everyone?
For the obvious reason that teenagers and young adults whose jawbones are still developing, some people with certain medical conditions are also not suitable to receive implants such as those suffering from cancer, severe gingivitis, uncontrolled diabetes, and osteonecrosis or in layman’s term “death of the jawbone”. If you are also taking some medications, particularly for osteoporosis, you are not a suitable candidate to receive implants. Talk to your dentist for other alternatives that is safer for you to pursue.
How Long Will I Need to Heal from the Procedure?
There are certain factors that might slow down a patient’s healing from implants such as teeth grinding and smoking. Your jaw’s condition and your body’s ability to accommodate the bone grafts could also affect how fast or how slow your body would heal. You also need to look after your gums since it could be a source of infection.
This is the reason why people with severe gingivitis are not eligible to get implants. If you are a teeth grinder, inform your dentist about this since teeth grinding slows down the fusion of the bone and the implant and if your teeth grinding is excessive, implants might not be able to fully heal.
To fully benefit from the advantage of having dental implants, talk in-depth with your dentist about it. After all, this procedure could be costly and might not be covered by your insurance provider. Make sure you are eligible and suitable for the procedure and follow after-care protocols once you are done.
