What is a Dental Implant?
Dental implants have been around for more than 30 years and are the standard of care when replacing a single missing tooth. A dental implant can also anchor dentures so they don’t move around. If you’ve thought about dental implants but you’re not sure if it’s the best option for you or you have questions about the procedure, read on.
There are many advantages to dental implants, including:
- Improved appearance and self-confidence. Dental implants look and feel like your own teeth, and can give you back the smile you remember.
- Improved speech and effortless eating. Unlike dentures, dental implants are permanent, so you don’t need to worry about slipping or pain when speaking or chewing.
- Improved comfort. Because they become part of your mouth, implants eliminate the discomfort that can occur with removable dentures.
- Durability and convenience. Implants are very durable and will last many years. They eliminate the care and inconvenience that comes with removable dentures.
Dental implants have a success rate of up to 98 percent, depending on where in the mouth they are placed. With proper oral hygiene, implants can last a lifetime.
Getting an implant is a simple 6-step process and usually takes 3 visits over a 4 to 6 month period.
- Evaluation: The dentist will evaluate your teeth, answer any questions and put together a treatment plan.
- Extraction: If you are replacing a damaged or diseased tooth with an implant, the tooth will need to be removed about two months before the implant is inserted to allow for proper healing.
- Grafting (if necessary): To ensure success, your dentist will want to make sure you have strong bones and gums to support the implant. If you have bone loss, it may be necessary to do a bone graft to provide the right conditions for the implant to succeed.
- Insertion of the implant: Once your jawbone is ready, the dentist can attach the implant. You will be given either local or general anesthesia. The base of the implant will be screwed into the jawbone, with a healing cap on it to allow for recovery of the gum tissue before the crown is put on. If you are getting a front tooth replaced, you may be given a retainer with a cosmetic tooth on it to disguise the gap.
- Application of the crown: Once the implant base has healed, your dentist will remove the healing cap and attach the crown. This may be done in one or two steps, depending on the case.
- Maintenance: It’s important to keep your teeth clean and healthy to ensure your implant lasts as long as possible. Make sure to brush regularly, floss thoroughly, and continue to do regular check ups with your dentist.
If you want to learn more about dental implants, call the Artistic Dental office at 602.840.5400 to schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our dentists.