In its simplest form, a dental implant is a replacement for any avulsed tooth. The dental implant takes on the form of your natural tooth and is placed directly into the jawbone. There are many different kinds of implants depending on the exact cause of your tooth loss and what you need to complete the look and functionality of your bite.
Getting a dental implant is a safe, long-lasting, and feasible process that has many benefits for both your physical and mental health. When you are navigating the idea of going through with the procedure, it’s best you have a dependable and experienced dentist by your side to answer any questions and address any concerns. For over 25 years, Journal Square Dental has efficiently and cost-effectively helped our local community with any and all of their restorative or cosmetic procedures, and we would love to do the same for you.
4 Things To Know Before Getting Dental Implants
Before getting dental implants, you should be aware of all possible outcomes, options, and areas of concern. To help give you an idea of what to expect before getting your dental implant, Journal Square Dental has put together a guide on the following aspects:
Other Necessary Treatments
Dental implants may come in conjunction with a series of other surgical procedures and treatments. For example, if you are in need of an implant due to gum disease or tooth rot, your dentist will want to first address the oral health concern and ensure all parts of your mouth have properly healed. This allows your dental implant the best possible shot at succeeding and being a long-lasting addition to your natural teeth.
Other possible treatment options your dentist can recommend or suggest include tooth extractions, professional cleaning, root canal, periodontal splint, bone grafting, gum grafting, and more. These procedures can elongate the treatment process time, as they will need time to properly heal before any implants can be placed.
The Benefits
Dental implants are not just a tool to restore the aesthetics of your smile. While that is definitely a perk, they also are pivotal to the restoration of the natural functionality of your mouth. This includes your bite, the way you speak, and even the placement of your other teeth and parts of your jaw and face.
When you lose a tooth due to a professional extraction, rot, infection, or facial trauma, you are left with an open socket. This socket is not able to properly support the surrounding teeth or jawbone, leading to shifting. Your other teeth can begin to try and fill in the gap, causing misalignments when you chew and bite. Additionally, with a weakened jawbone, your sinuses can begin to sag down your cheeks. An implant restores this natural support and helps to strengthen the surrounding teeth and bone.
Possible Side Effects
Dental implants are a fairly common and safe procedure. However, it’s still good to understand the possible side effects, especially if you have to undergo more than one surgical procedure. Your dentist will give you a list of recommended and required actions after each procedure has occurred to prevent any infection from starting, but you still may experience discomfort, swelling, bleeding, and bruising.
Nerve damage is also a possibility, though with the right dentist, you are giving yourself the best possible chance at a safe and successful procedure.
Maintenance
Once your dental implant has been placed, fitted to match the look and size of your other teeth, and has healed, you must care for it the same way you would your other teeth. This includes daily brushing, flossing, and regular visits to a dentist for professional cleaning. After the dental implant procedure, your dentist may want to set up more frequent visits to monitor the healing and condition of your new tooth.
If you take adequate care of your implant, it can be a long-lasting or even permanent addition to your smile.
Consult a Knowledgeable Dentist With Your Questions Today
Journal Square Dental has put together a team of professionals that is here to prioritize your smile and oral health. If you are curious about dental implants or any other form of restorative dentistry, we are happy to answer any questions you may have. After an initial consultation and examination, Dr. Rickerby will begin to devise a plan of action to address all of your dental needs.
To set up an appointment today and see how we can best help you, please call our office at (201) 431-0288 or fill out a contact form.
