Dental Implants FAQs
Missing teeth are unsightly and also damage your dental structure and weaken the teeth. These gaps cause the teeth to shift. More than that, missing teeth lead to deterioration of the alveolar bone and further weaken the jaw. Replacing these teeth is, therefore, more than a cosmetic dental procedure.
Several dental options can close up these gaps, such as bridges. However, if you want a long-term dental solution, dental implants are an ideal option. They are costly, but they are a worthwhile investment. Before you decide to get dental implants near you, here is what you need to know.
What Are Dental Implants?
A tooth implant is a screw, usually made of titanium, fixed on the jawbone to replace its roots. They are made of three parts; the metal post, the connector, and dental crowns.
As effective as they are, implants are not for everyone—you need to meet our dentist’s eligibility criteria dentist in Pleasant Hill, to perform the surgery. The eligibility factors include:
- Be 17 years and older.
- Healthy teeth and gums devoid of decay
- Sufficient bone density to support the implants.
What Are the Implant Options Available?
Several dental implant options are available, and the dentist will choose the right option based on the number of missing teeth.
- Conventional teeth implants are ideal if you have one or two teeth missing. They are the most commonly used implants and are made of screws, abutment, and crown.
- Mini dental implants are ideal if you do not want invasive dental surgery. The mini implants are similar to the conventional ones but smaller. They are usually used to secure dentures.
- All-on-4 implants are used if you have multiple missing teeth. The four implants are fixed on the upper or lower jaw to anchor the dentures.
How Are the Implants Fixed?
Dental implants in Pleasant Hill, CA, are either endosteal or subperiosteal. Both of these implants are great options and long-lasting; however, they differ when it comes to the procedure.
Endosteal implants are fixed on the jawbone and are the most commonly used type. Subperiosteal are placed above the jawbone, but still under the gums. These implants are ideal if you lack sufficient jawbone.
The fixing process requires at least three dental visits and involves a few steps:
- Dental examination: On the initial dental consultation, our Downtown Pleasant Hill dentist will examine your gums and teeth. Using modern dental tools, we will assess the bone structure and check for any infection. The dentist will then map out the treatment process and discuss the procedure and the risks involved.
- Fixing of the implant: Your gums are anesthetized to reduce discomfort. Depending on your pain threshold, gag reflex, and dental phobia, the dentist can recommend dental sedation. The titanium screws are fixed in a process that lasts for about one or two hours. If you have severe bone loss, the dentist may recommend a bone graft or augmentation to stimulate new bone growth.
- Fixing the connector: On your second dental consultation, the dentist will examine the implants and fix the connector. This abutment attaches the artificial teeth to the implant. The fixing process is fast and is done under local anesthesia. Your dental impression is taken to create artificial crowns.
- Placing of the dental crown: After the implant and bone are fused, the dentist will place the permanent dental crowns.
What to Expect After the Implant Procedure?
There will be slight discomfort and pressure as the anesthesia begins to wear off. You may also experience bleeding on the first day. Using a gauze pad or tea bag can help to stop the bleeding. If you are still bleeding after a few hours of using the gauze pad, visit a dentist near you for an assessment.
Other symptoms you may experience include bruised gums, pain, and swelling of the gums and face.
During the gum healing period, it is advisable to eat soft foods. Try to avoid spicy to chewy foods. Also, maintain proper dental hygiene as you recover to prevent gum infection.
Are There Complications?
Most dental implants are successful. Sometimes, however, the bone can fail to fuse to the implant causing the body to reject it. Other complications may develop, such as:
- Gum infection
- Loose implants due to bone loss
- Nerve damage
- Gum bruising
- Loose dental crowns
Schedule an Appointment
Visit Grafton Dental for more information on our dental implant service in Downtown Pleasant Hill.