Dental implants replace missing or damaged teeth with artificial teeth or bridges that feel and function like natural ones. They have artificial roots made from titanium or zirconia that are placed in the jawbone to support the artificial teeth. Implants ensure that the remaining teeth stay healthy while providing a foundation to the jawbone for support. The procedure is relatively common and is an effective alternative for people with long term dental issues or deteriorating teeth. Make sure the dental implant procedure is performed by an experienced dentist to ensure you have natural-looking dental implants. Count on My Victoria Dentist for dental implant services, such as single tooth replacement and full arch replacement. We provide comprehensive dental services, including cosmetic and advanced restorative dentistry.
Things to Know Before Getting Dental Implants Before considering dental implants, there are certain things that you should be aware of regarding the procedure:
1. Bone Health For dental implants to be successful there should be enough bone to integrate and support the implant. Bone loss can negatively affect your implants. Other reasons that can cause bone loss are loss of tooth, cavities or infection. Consult with your dentist to schedule a checkup regarding your bone density and to know whether implants are the right treatment choice for you. Your dentist might suggest a bone grafting procedure for dental implants in case of bone loss. 2. Smoking Dental implants can fail with prolonged smoking. For an implant procedure, your dentist might recommend you to avoid smoking for a week before the procedure and for at least two months after the implant placement. After the procedure, the implant should integrate with the surrounding bone without any negative effects of smoking. 3. Understanding the Procedure Before getting an implant, know the complete procedure and the type of implants that you are going for. There will be a complete dental evaluation that includes your past medical history and X-rays. Your dentist will provide a customized treatment plan for you to follow. The healing period will depend on your bone health but, in most cases, it is somewhere around two to four months. After the complete implant integration, a custom crown is designed and attached to the implant. 4. Regular Checkup Regular checkup ensures the implant procedure is going according to plan and the bone integration is smooth. You might notice some discomfort after the procedure, such as swelling of gums or minor bleeding. Your dentist may prescribe some pain medications. To ensure there are no major complications, frequent checkups are necessary. 5. Taking Care of Your Implants Practise dental hygiene around the implants, just like for natural teeth. Brush and floss regularly to get rid of plaque and tartar. You can also use specialized brushes that help clean the space around the teeth and gums. Avoid chewing hard foods after the procedure that might damage your crowns. Implants also work best to stabilize your existing dentures and prevent them from moving. Additionally, implants help preserve the integrity of your mouth by stimulating healthy bone formation. The experienced team at My Victoria Dentist has been placing implants for over ten years. We also provide general dentistry services, including single-visit crowns, teeth whitening, pediatric dentistry and root canal therapy. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for dental implants.