Dental implants are one of the most sophisticated methods of dental restoration today. In this article, we discuss the process of implant placement, its main benefits, and who is a good candidate for the dental implant procedure.
Dental Implants Explained: Benefits, Process, and Who Is a Candidate
Dental implants consist of metal screw-like posts that are surgically inserted into the jawbone and porcelain crowns attached to the posts. Over time, the metal posts fuse with the jawbone and begin acting like the roots of natural teeth.
The Main Benefits of Dental Implants
The main benefits of opting for a dental implant as a missing tooth restoration option include:
- Dental implants provide superior stability and biting force compared to other dental restorations. Thus, implants offer up to 95% of natural biting force, while dentures, for example, can withstand only 20%.
- Dental implants look natural in the mouth and can be matched to the color of your other teeth.
- Implants prevent jawbone density loss (bone resorption) by stimulating the jawbone in a manner similar to the roots of natural teeth. As a result, implants also prevent changes in facial structure.
- Implants prevent bite changes caused by surrounding teeth shifting into the gap.
- Dental implants do not negatively affect surrounding teeth, unlike bridges, which can damage them over time as they serve as a support.
- Oral hygiene with dental implants is straightforward and does not require any additional tools or techniques.
Dental Implant Procedure and Recovery Process
Dental implant surgery is performed with local anesthesia or with sedation in more complex cases. During the procedure, your dentist accesses the bone underneath the gum and prepares an opening where the implant will be subsequently screwed in. Once the implant is in place, the gum tissue is closed with stitches to protect the surgery site and promote healing.
Depending on the patient’s overall and oral health, it can take 3 to 6 months for the implant to heal and fuse with the bone sufficiently to support the crown, which is typically attached at that time. However, in some cases, a crown can be placed right after the implant surgery, particularly when replacing front teeth.
In the first 2 to 3 weeks after a dental implant surgery, the following symptoms are expected and considered normal:
- Swelling in the jaw and face
- Bruising in the face
- Pain at the procedure site
These symptoms typically subside gradually over a month.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants
The nature of dental implant surgery and a prolonged post-procedure recovery can prevent some patients from getting dental implants. To have a successful dental implant procedure, the following points are required:
- Good oral health with no cavities or active gum disease, as infections in the mouth can contaminate the surgery site. If oral health issues are present, they must be adequately treated before surgery.
- Sufficient jawbone density to support the implant. If jawbone density loss is present, your dentist is likely to suggest a bone grafting procedure prior to implant placement to prompt bone regeneration.
- Good general health and regeneration capacity (some systemic conditions can negatively affect the immune system and regeneration, thus making implant surgery risky or undesirable)
Get Dental Implants at Dentist Mission Viejo
If you are considering dental implants, do not hesitate to schedule a consultation with an experienced dentist at Dentist Mission Viejo today. At our office, we use only high-quality materials and modern diagnostic and treatment methods to deliver reliable results to our clients. We are looking forward to your visit.