All You Need to Know About Dental Implants in Phoenix

When you’ve lost a tooth, you can experience numerous complications like impaired speech, rapid bone deterioration, teeth crookedness, and a change in bite function. Replacing lost teeth as soon as possible is essential to prevent these symptoms. It will restore your speech, bone health, oral function, and appearance.

An implant consists of a small titanium post attached to the underlying jawbone through surgery. Dental implants offer excellent aesthetics, stability, and strength than alternative treatments like dentures and bridges.

Steps of Dental Implant Surgery

Getting a dental implant is a straightforward process. However, it’s worth noting that the exact procedures and treatment length can vary from patient to patient. Here are some steps you can expect to undergo during the procedure:

• • Initial Consultation

While dental implants offer great restoration benefits, not every patient is a good candidate for implant surgery. The dentist will begin by examining your mouth to assess your dental health. The dentist can use physical, visual, x-rays, and 3D imaging techniques to evaluate your condition. You must:

• • • Have enough bone density
    • Have good oral health and overall wellness
    • Be a non-smoker or quit tobacco products
    • Have good oral hygiene and habits

Not meeting these requirements can disqualify you from dental implant surgery. It’s also worth noting that dental implants aren’t suitable for children since they’re still developing. It would help if you treated underlying conditions like gum disease before dental implant surgery.

• • Tooth extraction

If your tooth is still intact, the dentist will remove the tooth to prepare for the dental implant. Depending on the complexity of the tooth’s damage, a general dentist or oral surgeon can perform oral surgery.

• • Bone Grafting

Some patients lack enough jawbone to hold a dental implant sufficiently. Fortunately, that shouldn’t stop you from getting implants. Your dentist can perform a bone grafting surgery to repair and rebuild your jawbone. The bone material is often removed from another part of your mouth or body. Human donor and synthetic options are also available. It takes about 3 – 6 months to heal from grafting.

• • Placing the Implant

Once you’ve healed from the extraction and bone grafting, the dentist will place the implant. The jawbone should grow around the implant permanently, a process known as osseointegration.

• • Placing the Abutment

Once the implant has healed completely, the dentist will place an abutment tooth – it will hold the outer crown.

• • Placing the crown

Once the gums have healed from the abutment procedure, our dentist in Phoenix will place a dental crown to strengthen and protect the implant. The crown is customized to match your natural teeth’ color, shape, and size.

Dental Implant Surgery Aftercare

There may be a few side effects after dental implant surgery. You can experience symptoms like:

• Swelling of the gums and face
• Minor bleeding
• Pain in the implant area
• Bruising of the gums and skin

Your dentist will prescribe the necessary medication to alleviate these symptoms. You should also stick to a soft diet and use ice therapy to manage these symptoms. If the symptoms persist or worsen, contact your dentist immediately.

Below are a few tips for long-term dental implant care:

• Schedule regular oral checkups and cleanings.
• Practice excellent oral hygiene and habits.
• Avoid damaging habits like chewing ice and hard candy.
• Avoid smoking.
• Seek treatment for existing oral issues like gum disease and bruxism.
• Avoid abrasive oral products.

Benefits of Dental Implant Surgery

• Restores bite function
• Improves facial appearance
• Improves jawbone growth and health
• Improves your self-confidence and quality of life
• Keeps the adjacent teeth stable

Final Verdict

Getting a dental implant is typically a straightforward process. On average, the entire procedure takes about 6 – 9 months or more if you need additional treatments. For more information about dental implants near you, contact We Care Dental in Phoenix to schedule an appointment with our dentist.