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Having one or more missing teeth can be utterly frustrating: it can mess up your chewing ability and even ruin your appetite. Thankfully, dental implants offer an excellent, cost-effective, permanent solution for missing teeth. Dental implants feel and look like your natural teeth—which makes them superior to other teeth replacement options, such as dentures and dental bridges.
Dental implants are a major investment; thus, the decision to get them requires a great deal of forethought and due diligence.
Read on to learn more about dental implants before you decide to get them.
Benefits and Risks of Dental Implants
Since the American Dental Association (ADA)’s endorsement back in 1986, dental implants have become increasingly popular—and for a number of great reasons.
Aside from those mentioned above, dental implants are known for the following benefits:
o Improved speech – Because they have a natural and perfect fit, dental implants allow you to speak clearly, unlike dentures that can cause you to slur your words or give you the anxiety that they may slip out of our mouth.
o Convenience- No need for adhesives.
o Durability- With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime.
o Easy chewing
No surgery is devoid of risks, and dental implant surgery is no exception. Albeit rare, the risks involved in a dental implant surgery include:
- Injuries involving blood vessels and other teeth
- Nerve damage to your gums, natural teeth, lips, or chin
- Infections at the site of implant
- Sinus problems, usually with upper-jaw dental implants
Your dentist will take all necessary precautions to minimize your risk of complications, to keep you comfortable during the procedure, and help you enjoy a safe and successful recovery.
Contraindications
Not everyone is qualified to get dental implants. Listed below are the absolute contraindications for dental implants:
o Recent heart attack
o Bleeding issues
o Smoking
o History of periodontal disease
o Radiation therapy
Preparing for Your Dental Implant Surgery
Once your dentist determines that you’re eligible for dental implant surgery, they will require that you get dental X-rays and 3D imaging to be able to assess your jawbone carefully and properly plan your treatment. They will also ask you if you are currently taking medications. This will help them determine other factors that may affect the outcome of the surgery or increase your risk of complications.
Your care team will provide you with comprehensive preoperative instructions to get you adequately prepared for your procedure.
What to Expect During the Procedure
The entire process of surgically inserting your dental implants can take up to several months, and it is typically divided into three steps. This means you will have to make three visits to your dentist:
First session- During this phase, your dentist will make an incision in your gum to expose the bone then use a drill to make room for the implant screw. Your dentist will then attach the implant. You will then wait about six to seven months to allow your implant to completely fuse with your jawbone and heal.
Second session- At this phase, your dentist will re-expose the implant by creating another incision. Your dentist will then place the abutment (a small object typically made of titanium that serves as the connection between your dental implant and the crown) over the implant and take a dental impression correctly fit the crown.
Final session– At this phase, your dentist will place your new crown/s. This is when you get to appreciate the results of the entire procedure. You may have to undergo a trial procedure before the final fit to allow your dentist to ensure that your implants fit perfectly.
To help make you feel calm and stay comfortable throughout each of your dental implant sessions, your dentist will use any of the following types of anesthetics, whichever you prefer:
o Local anesthesia- This is injected directly into your gums. This only lasts a short time, so your dentist may have to inject more than once during your procedure.
o IV sedation- This involves administering an anti-anxiety medication intravenously. Your dentist may recommend this if you have low pain tolerance or bad gag reflex.
o Oral conscious sedation- This involves the use of oral medication in combination with nitrous oxide, which you inhale using a mask to make you feel relaxed throughout your procedure. This is also a good option if you have low pain threshold or bad gag reflex.
Dental Implants in Eugene, OR
At 360 Dental, Dr. Ari Binder is recognized as the leading provider of high-quality dental implants, helping many men and women in Eugene, Oregon and neighboring areas enjoy beautiful, natural-looking smiles throughout their lives. Dr. Binder strives to keep abreast of the latest developments in dental implant technology to consistently deliver exceptional outcomes for all of our patients.
If you want to find out if you’re a candidate for a dental implant surgery, call us at (541) 689-1645 or fill out our appointment request form to schedule a consultation with Dr. Ari Binder. We look forward to helping you achieve a beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime!
