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Dental Implant Placement No other dental restoration can provide reliable, lasting, and secure replacement teeth like dental implants can. After losing teeth, whether to trauma, oral disease, extraction, or decay and cavities, it is always appropriate to replace them. While different teeth replacement choices are available, dental implants stand out above the rest. Surgically affixed to the jawbone, tooth implants offer the stability needed to enable you to chew, bite, speak, and smile naturally. At Dallas Prosthodontics, we have perfected the art and skill of placing dental implants for patients needing them. What Are Dental Implants?Due to the nature of the placement, dental implants are metallic screws or posts that go into the jawbone to provide the supporting structure for your artificial teeth. Our dentist affixes them by inserting a post into the bone for improved stability. After the insertion of the post, prosthetic teeth, such as a crown, denture, or bridge, are placed on top, completing the tooth structure. Dental implants mimic the natural tooth in structure, functionality, and look. Who Should Get Dental Implants?Teeth replacement restorations are intended for people with healthy gums and bones. An individual should possess sufficient bone density to allow firm and stable anchoring of the teeth. Of course, a patient should have proper oral hygiene and no existing oral health conditions or chronic conditions like heart disease or diabetes. Any oral conditions can be treated first, and then our dentist can proceed with the surgery. For chronic conditions, managing them is crucial to ensure successful implant surgery. Dental Implant ProcedureAn initial consultation is done to check remaining teeth, gum health, and the patient's medical history. X-rays are ordered that serve to check the internal structure of the mouth, including the jawbone, to see if it has sufficient density. X-rays can also indicate prevailing hidden dental issues like deep decay or an infection inside a tooth. Further, digital or manual impressions are obtained. These serve to craft the prosthetic teeth. The actual surgery involves administering local anesthetic for numbing purposes so that you feel no pain. We also administer oral sedation or another type of sedation to ease anxiety and keep you calm. Our dentist inserts the implant posts by fastening them into the jawbone through the gum tissue. You will experience a healing process that lasts between three to six months. A temporary crown or bridge is affixed to use during that healing period. After the healing is complete, you will return for the placement of your crown, bridge, or denture. For a single implant, a dental crown may be fitted. For multiple tooth replacements, you may receive a bridge or denture. Your new teeth are permanent, durable, and strong, with your implants lasting for decades or even a lifetime. Aftercare for Dental ImplantsAfter the surgery, you must avoid disturbing the area. Do not chew or bite on crunchy, hard foods. Keep the area clean by brushing gently around the implant with a soft brush. There will be some discomfort for a few days after the surgery, but you can manage it with over-the-counter pain medication or a cold compression. Keep up with your regular visits to our dentist for an inspection of the implants and a general checkup. Contact Dallas Prosthodontics to see whether dental implants are for you. Call us at (972) 503-7200 to set up your appointment. |
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