When you lose your teeth, a lot more goes with them than just your self-confidence. Tooth loss can impair your ability to pronounce words correctly, which can be a problem if your work requires you to interact with people verbally every day. Without teeth, chewing food may cause pain and discomfort, which means you’ll have to give up some of your favorite foods.

Beyond these inconveniences, tooth loss also predisposes you to oral health problems. Studies show that people with missing teeth are more prone to develop tooth decay and gum disease. If you’re looking for a permanent solution to tooth loss, you may want to consider dental implants in Fort Pierce fl. What are dental implants? How is it done? What is the process of installing them in your mouth? Let’s find out.

Dental Implant Surgery Process Explained

What is Dental Implant Surgery?

Dental implant surgery is a procedure that involves placing biocompatible metal screws into your jawbone to replace missing tooth roots. Attached to these screws are abutments that hold your artificial teeth in place. It’s a modern-day alternative to bridgework and dentures.

The dental implant process encompasses several steps and may take several months to complete since healing and osseointegration takes time. Despite its cost and the risks associated with surgery, millions of people still prefer dental implants because of their longevity, durability, and aesthetic appeal.

Why are Dental Implants Right for You?

Dental implants offer unmatched security and stability because of how the implants are placed. Basically, the implants are surgically inserted into your jawbone. Since they are biocompatible, the bone tissues surrounding the implants will eventually grow and fuse around the metal screws. This explains why dental implants will never make any noise, will not cause bone deterioration, and definitely won’t slip. They are basically the closest thing to having natural teeth. The best part is they don’t decay, unlike natural teeth.

Dental implants are an excellent choice for the following individuals with:

• One or more missing teeth
• A healthy jawbone with sufficient bone density to hold the implants in place
• Healthy gums
• No history of smoking tobacco

Are There Risks Involved in Dental Implant Surgery?

Your oral surgeon will discuss the risks with you during your initial consultation. Like any other surgery, there will always be risks involved. The good news is that numerous studies show dental implant surgery has an impressively high success rate of 95%-98%. Although complications are rare, they can still happen. It’s important to know potential complications so you can notify your oral surgeon if and when it happens. The following are risks associated with dental implant surgery:

• Infection at the site of insertion.
• Damage or injury to surrounding oral structures like blood vessels
• Nerve damage that can result in tingling in the chin, lips, gums, and teeth, numbness, and pain
• When dental implants are incorrectly placed in the upper jaw, they can protrude into your sinus cavities and cause sinus problems.

How Do You Prepare for Dental Implant Surgery?

Dental implant surgery has to be carefully planned to ensure success. The process may involve several dental health specialists like an ENT (ear, nose, and throat specialist), a periodontist (specializing in gums and jawbone), a prosthodontist (designs dental prosthesis), and an oral and maxillofacial surgeon (specializing in mouth conditions).

Since the placement of dental implants requires at least one or more surgeries, the evaluation process can be a bit tedious. It may include a comprehensive dental exam wherein your dentist will take X-rays and 3-dimensional images of your mouth to visualize the condition of your jawbone. Your medical history will also be taken, so expect that your dentist will ask you questions about your medical condition and if you are currently taking any medication, including over-the-counter and prescription drugs, or supplements. Some dentists will prescribe you antibiotics that you should take days before your scheduled surgery for prophylaxis.

Based on the results of your x-rays and interview, your dentist will come up with a tailored treatment plan to address your concerns. Every treatment plan is unique since it will be based on your individual needs. Your dentist will take into account the condition of your jawbone, how many teeth you have left, and how many teeth you need to replace.

Since it’s going to involve surgery, your oral surgeon will partner with an anesthesiologist. The type of anesthesia will depend on your anxiety level. Patients can be given local anesthesia, sedatives, or general anesthesia. You will be given instructions on what to do and what not to do the day before your surgery. Make sure you follow the instructions carefully.

How are Dental Implants Inserted?

Placement of the Implants

The first step is making on incision on your gums to expose the underlying jawbone. A tool will be used to drill into your bone so there will be enough space for the screws to enter. Since the metal screws act as tooth roots, they have to be embedded deep within your bone. By this time, your oral surgeon will give you temporary dentures while you wait for the bone to grow around the implants.

Bone Growth

When the dental implants in Fort Pierce Fl are positioned, a process called osseointegration will take place. In this process, the bone tissues surrounding the implants will grow and fuse around the titanium implants. This will typically take months to complete. This process is the reason behind the security and stability of your artificial tooth.

Placement of the Abutments and Dental Crowns

When the process of osseointegration is finally complete, the next step will be to place the abutment on which the crown will adhere. After the abutments are placed, the dental crowns will follow. This is only considered minor surgery, so only local anesthesia will be used.

What to Expect After the Procedure

After the surgery, you will experience slight discomfort. It’s also normal to experience gum and facial swelling. Bruising is also typical, and you should expect some minor bleeding. You will also feel pain on the treatment site. Your oral surgeon will prescribe you pain medications and antibiotics after the surgery. Make sure to take them as instructed. If you ever experience discomfort several days after the surgery and develop a fever, make sure you contact your oral surgeon.

Are You Interested to Learn More About Dental Implants in Fort Pierce FL?

Do you have more questions about dental implant surgery? If you still have a lot of questions in mind, don’t hesitate to come to us. At Shapiro Family Dentistry, we offer the latest cosmetic dentistry options to give you a healthy and beautiful smile. Book an appointment with us on our site, we’d love to revamp your smile!