dental implant

All in four dental implants

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root placed into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. Implants are made of titanium and are surgically placed in your jawbone during a minor surgical procedure lasting less than an hour. Unlike dentures, implants are not removable and allow you to eat your favorite foods confidently, speak, and smile without embarrassment. With proper care and maintenance, implants can last a lifetime.

What are the benefits of getting dental implants?

There are several benefits to getting dental implants. Replacing missing teeth allows you to chew your food correctly, improving digestion and preventing you from choking on food. It also stops neighboring teeth from shifting out of place and causing misalignment of your teeth. Missing teeth can also cause pain, bone loss, and other complications; implants can prevent these from occurring and help you maintain optimal oral health for a lifetime.

Who should consider getting dental implants?

If you are missing one or more teeth and are in good health, you may be a good candidate for dental implants. They may be a great solution if you are tired of dealing with traditional dentures and would like to restore your smile and self-confidence with a permanent replacement option. However, not everyone has sufficient bone density to support an implant, and a consultation with your periodontist is recommended to determine if you are a candidate for the procedure.

How long does the implant procedure take?

The implant procedure generally takes about an hour to complete and can be performed using local anesthesia or IV sedation. Some patients may also benefit from a bone graft, which involves harvesting bone from another area of your body to replace any lost bone tissue in your jaw. Bone grafting allows the implant to be securely attached to the jaw and provides a strong foundation to take hold.

What is the recovery period like after getting dental implants?

Recovery after getting dental implants is typically pretty minimal. Patients may experience minor swelling for a few days after their procedure, which can easily be controlled using an ice pack. The implants are left to heal for about three months. Before an impression is taken, the replacement teeth are created and placed in your mouth. Once your new teeth have been placed, you may experience ‘some soreness and tenderness, but this is normal and will subside after the first few days.

What should we expect from the restoration process?

In the days after you get your dental implants placed, the implants will heal into your jawbone through osseointegration. Osseointegration is a natural process ‘and can be completed in as little as three weeks, but some patients may require ‘several months to allow the implant to fully integrate. Once the implant has been integrated, your dentist will take an impression of the newly healed area to create your new restorations.