What is Dental Implant?
A dental implant is an artificial tooth that is embedded into our jaws. They are a long-term solution for individuals with failing teeth, missing teeth, or chronic dental issues. The titanium screw used fuses with your jaw, providing a natural look and feel. This makes the implants firm and prevents any slippage.
Implants can be used to replace one or more teeth. You are a candidate for full mouth treatment if a full arch has to be restored. Our specialists will place four implants on your jaw and later place a full arch of teeth.
Multiple dental implants are required if you are missing more than one tooth. Multiple implants require one to have healthy teeth and gums for the process to be successful. The procedure involves implanting two fixtures. While leaving the surrounding teeth intact, a fake crown is then placed.
Dental implants consist of 3 parts which include;
- The Crown: This is the utmost part of the implant. It is an artificial tooth that is usually made of porcelain or zirconium. Crowns are custom-made to blend and look like the neighboring teeth.
- An Abutment: It connects the crown and the titanium screw. It is permanent but can be removed by a specialist.
- The Titanium Implant: This is a screw-like post that is fixed in the jaw bone to act as the root.
Dental Implant Procedure
The first step to treatment is getting an appointment with our dentist in Coral Spring, FL. During the consultation, the area of the missing tooth will be identified, and with the help of our latest dental technology, your dental structure is carefully examined. The bone density and quantity are evaluated using CT scans. This will help your dentist be able to determine where the implants should be placed.
At Designer Smiles, FL, we encourage our clients to be interactive with our specialists. The implant to be used will be chosen depending on your oral structure and your personal habits. The dentist will then advise you on the possible treatments available for you.
The Surgical Procedure
During this treatment process, you will be given local anesthesia to numb the area and other sedatives that may be required. If there is an existing part of the damaged tooth still present, it will first be extracted.
There are two types of dental implants in Coral Springs, FL, endosteal and sub-periosteal implants. The endosteal implants are fixed right into your jaw bone. Sub-periosteal implants are placed under the gum tissues onto the jawbone.
During the procedure, an incision is made to open up your gums, exposing the jawbone, and using a drill, the post is then fixed into the jaw bone. A cap is placed over the implant, the gums stitched up, and the healing period begins.
This usually takes two to six months. The healing phase allows the titanium post to fuse up with the surrounding tissues. Follow-up appointments are required to check the affected area looking out for any infections.
After the healing period is over, an abutment is then placed. It is used to support the artificial crown to the titanium post. The crown is then custom-made and cemented into place.
After Care Tips for Dental Implants
After dental implant surgery, some discomfort is expected. You may experience the following symptoms:
- Minor bleeding, to stop the bleeding, press a clean gauze on the area and change regularly
- Swollen face or gums
- Pain at the affected area and a bruised gum or skin.
If some of the above symptoms get to worsen with time, contact your dentist. The dentist will let you on little after-care tips to speed up the healing process and avoid infections. They include:
- Adapting proper oral hygiene, which includes flossing and brushing teeth twice a day
- Having regular dental checkups with your dentist
- Take soft foods and avoiding chewy or hard foodstuffs
- Press ice packs on the cheek of the affected area to relieve pain
- Avoid sucking or touching the affected area as it heals
Dental Implants Cost
The cost of dental implants usually varies. They are determined by the region and the specialist performing the procedure. At our dentistry, we offer affordable payment plans to our clients. Talk to our dentist near you or book an appointment to learn more about our dental implants services.