Teeth Implants 101: Everything You Need to Know Before Getting Them

Missing teeth can damage your dental structure. Leaving these spaces unfilled for a long time will cause the surrounding teeth to shift to the available spaces. Not only that, but the alveolar bone (supports the teeth) will get reabsorbed by the body. The longer you stay without replacing the teeth, the faster the bone will be reabsorbed, weakening the teeth. Replacing the missing teeth is, therefore, more than a cosmetic procedure.

For a long time, the dental bridges were the treatment of choice for missing teeth. However, today, with the advancement of dental technology, we offer implant treatment in Magnolia, TX.

What are Dental Implants?

Teeth implants are replacement roots made of titanium fixed on the jaw to provide a permanent foundation for your artificial teeth. The dental implants are available in different types:

• Endosteal implants. These are the conventional teeth implants that are used to replace one or two missing teeth. These implants are fixed on the jawbone and require enough bone density for support.
• Subperiosteal implants. These are similar to the endosteal ones. However, they are fixed above the jaw bone. They are great for people who do not have enough bone for support and do not want to undergo the procedures needed to rebuild it.
• Mini dental implants. These implants are ideal for people who do not want an invasive dental procedure. They have the same structure as the traditional ones but are smaller in size.
• All-on-4 implants. If you have multiple teeth missing, the dentist may recommend these implants. The dentist will fix two implants on both jaws to offer support for your dentures.

Who Can Get Implants?

Implants are an effective dental solution but are not for everyone. For the dentist to fix the implants, you need to meet the following criteria:

• Your jaw has reached full growth
• You have enough jaw support
• Healthy soft tissues, teeth, and gums, free of cavities
• Do not have health conditions that would affect gum healing.

How Are the Implants Fixed?

Fixing dental implants in 77354 is a process and requires a few steps:

• Preparation

Planning for the implant surgery may involve various dental specialists such as an oral or maxillofacial surgeon. Our dentist will also perform a dental evaluation to assess the condition of your jaws.

A comprehensive medical checkup will be done. The dentist reviews your medical and drug history to determine if you are eligible for the procedure. Therefore, it is important to come with a list of the drugs you are taking, including supplements.

Your treatment plan is formulated based on the number of missing teeth, the condition of your jaw bone, and the type of implants you choose.

• Fixing of the implants

Our dentist in Magnolia, TX, will first numb your gums using local anesthesia. However, if you have dental phobia and anxiety, dental sedation may be used.

Next, the dentist will drill your jaw and fix the implant. It takes about 12 weeks for the gums to heal and the bone to fuse to the implant. The osseointegration process must be successful for the implants to be anchored properly.

After the bone and implant are fused, the dentist will place the abutment, connecting the implant and the crown. Your dental impression is taken for making the dental crowns.

Sometimes before the implants are fixed, the dentist may perform a bone abutment. This procedure is done to stimulate new jaw bone growth.

• Placing of the crowns

You can choose to have the crowns either fixed or removable. The removable crowns are partial dentures fixed on the abutment using a metal frame. You can take the dentures out for daily cleaning. The fixed crowns are either screwed or cemented in place.

What to Expect After the Implant Surgery?

You will have slight discomfort after the implants are fixed. There may also be swelling on the face and gums, pain and bruising at the implant area, and minor bleeding.

The dentist will prescribe some pain relievers and antibiotics. However, if the swelling and bleeding continue, visit Tamborello Dentistry for assessment and treatment.