There are several different avenues that you can explore if you’re dealing with missing teeth. Although each treatment has its advantages and disadvantages, dentists often recommend undergoing dental implant surgery to remedy this issue. Why? Because dental implants are considered a permanent and extremely reliable solution.
To learn more about receiving dental implants in Edmonton, get in touch with our local dental practice today!
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are designed to provide support to your smile and restore strength to your jawbone.
The implant itself is comprised of three distinct parts: the screw, the abutment, and the prosthetic. The screw is directly installed into your jawbone through surgery, and, over time, they fuse to create a very solid foundation for your teeth and gums. The abutment is what attaches the screw to the prosthetic. Both the screw and the abutment are made from titanium, a biocompatible material that won’t irritate your oral tissues. Finally, the prosthetic is what fills in your empty socket.
You can receive implants to replace one or multiple missing teeth. For more information about whether you’re an ideal candidate for this restorative treatment, contact a dentist near you.
The Process of Receiving Dental Implants
At least two separate appointments are required to receive dental implants. During your first visit, your dentist will conduct a thorough evaluation of your teeth and gums and a series of x-rays to build an accurate picture of your oral hygiene. This also allows them to identify the degree of care you require to get back to normal.
Your implant is surgically inserted into your jaw using a dental drill. The abutment is placed afterward. Once this is done, you’ll need time for your mouth to properly heal. Eventually, you’ll return to your dentist to have the prosthetic inserted.
If you have any questions or concerns about this treatment, don’t hesitate to let your dentist know.
Loose Dental Implants
In some instances, you may feel like your dental implant has become loose. Now, this surgery boasts a 95% success rate, but that doesn’t mean that problems can’t pop up from time to time.
Usually, if implants become loose, it occurs during the first couple of weeks following surgery. A number of factors can be responsible for this including infection, decay, clenching or grinding your teeth (bruxism), poorly made implants, or if the screw fails to fully fuse with your jawbone. Oral bleeding and gum irritation are just two examples of symptoms that you can experience.
If this occurs, it’s always good to err on the side of caution and contact a dental clinic in Edmonton. Be sure to tell your dentist all the details you can so they can proceed accordingly. They’ll conduct a comprehensive examination of your mouth as well as take high-quality images along your gumline.
Depending on your situation, your dentist can either try and save the original implant or they may need to remove the implant completely, especially if you’re dealing with a severe case of bone deterioration, gum recession, a progressive infection, or facial trauma. Bone grafting, which involves replacing the weakened bone with healthy bone from elsewhere in your body, may be necessary to ensure that the new implant remains stable.
Are you interested in receiving dental implants near you? Are your implants feeling loose? Regardless of why, at Oliver Family Dental, we’re here to help you however we can. Our staff will happily walk you through the process from beginning to end so you know what to expect. Call, book an appointment, or visit our website.
