Have you endured gaps where teeth used to be because you heard horror stories about ill-fitting, uncomfortable dentures? If you have a missing tooth, or teeth, and are ready to have a confident smile again, dental implants may be right for you. The development of dental implants is one of the greatest advances in dentistry. Over the last 40 years, specialists discovered a way to effectively replace missing teeth using strong materials compatible with the human body.
Implants Explained
Dental implants are anchored by titanium posts that serve as the root of a tooth. This ensures that the implant is strong enough for biting and chewing. After the titanium post is surgically implanted and healed, your dentist will use an attachment, called an abutment, to cement a crown to the implant. Once you complete this process, you’ll have a new tooth that matches your existing teeth, giving you a confident long-term smile.
Preparing for Surgery
The dental implant surgery sounds simple enough, but it doesn’t happen all at once. After the titanium implant is placed in your jaw, your body goes through a healing process called osseointegration. Osseointegration means “combines with the bone” and can last anywhere between three and six months. During this process, bone grows around the implant and holds it in place. This process is necessary to ensure the strength and longevity of the implant, but you need to be patient while complete healing takes place. Once this step is complete, it’s time for the abutment and crown. Before your surgery, your dentist will fit you for a crown that is the right size, shape, and color that matches your existing teeth. The creation of the new tooth takes time, so a temporary crown or denture may be placed until the permanent replacement is available.
The Recovery Experience
The surgery itself is not painful. You will be given a local anesthetic or IV sedation to ensure a comfortable experience. After the implant surgery, you may experience some soreness in your jaw. Eating soft foods and soup is encouraged during recovery. Many patients find it helpful to consume soft cold foods after surgery.
At Anderson and Atkins Dentistry, we help you find the best specialist in the Bryan/College Station area to perform dental implant surgery. Then, after osseointegration is complete, your crown can be placed in our office. If you have questions about dental implants, schedule an appointment with us today. Together, we’ll decide if dental implant surgery is right for you.