Dental Implants for Missing Teeth
Mar 01, 2021
Introduction
Do you have missing teeth due to decay or dental injuries? You might be experiencing chewing and speech problems. Apart from speech and chewing difficulties, you might feel conscious about your smile. Also, you might be at risk of bone loss at the site of missing teeth.
To replace the missing teeth, your
dentist in Markham, ON, might recommend dental implants. Dental implants are biocompatible titanium screws that your dentist place in your to represent the tooth’s root. The titanium screws integrate with the jaw bone to provide a strong base for the dental caps.
With a dental implant, your tooth restoration will look like your natural ones and does not affect the adjacent teeth since it is stable.
Why Do You Need a Dental Implant?
Are you looking for a stable and aesthetic to replace missing teeth? At our 14th Avenue Dentistry, we would recommend dental implants. When replacing your teeth with dental implants, the goal is to improve your oral functionalities, aesthetics and reduce the risk of bone degradation.
However, below are the scenarios you might need dental implants:
- To replace single or multiple teeth on your jaw
- Holding a dental prosthesis such as denture into place
- When your adjacent teeth are not strong to hold a dental bridge
However, some factors make you a suitable candidate for dental implants. Such factors include:
- Having one or more missing teeth
- Don’t smoke or use any tobacco products
- Fully developed jaw bone
- Enough bone to secure the dental implant or suitable for a bone graft
- Have health gums and adjacent teeth
- Willing to commit some months to get the treatments
- Don’t have underlying health conditions that might affect bone healing
Preparing for a Dental Implants Surgery
When preparing for dental implant surgery, you can consider consulting your doctor. Since getting dental implants entails one or two surgeries, your dentist can recommend thorough preparation to prevent the risk of complications.
During the consultation, the dentist will recommend a dental exam. The dental exam might involve a physical exam and imaging tests to check the condition of your jaw.
When consulting the dentist before getting dental implants in Markham, ON, you can notify your dentist about your health and medication history. If you have health conditions that might cause complications during surgery, your dentist might adjust your treatment plan. Also, your dentist might recommend you stop using some medication before surgery to prevent complications.
Before getting full mouth dental implants, the dentist might recommend the extraction of the remaining damaged teeth.
What to Expect During the Dental Implants Procedure
When getting dental implants, your dentist will check the condition of your jawbone during the consultation. Therefore, if your jawbone is not sufficient, the dentist might recommend a bone graft.
Once you are clear for dental implant surgery, the dentist will administer local or general anesthesia, depending on the number of teeth that need replacement. Next, the dentist will make an incision on your gums and jaw, providing space for the titanium screw.
After making the incision, the dentist will place the dental implant and clean the area around the site of the incision. For the implants to integrate with your jawbone and recovery, it might take up to three months.
Therefore, your dentist will recommend the next appointment when you are healed. During the dental appointment, the dentist will place your abutment and dental caps and recommend follow-up appointments.
Recovery and After Care
After the dental implant surgery, you might experience bleeding around the site of the incision and swelling. To prevent bleeding, you can bite down a gauze pad. For pain and swelling, you can place a cold compress on your cheek around the site of the swelling.
Some of the other tips for fast recovery according to the Canadian Dental Association include:
- Avoid using a straw when drinking
- Consume soft foods that don’t require chewing and change to your favorites as you heal
- Quit smoking or using tobacco products since they hinder recovery
- Use antiseptic mouthwash to prevent infections and brush your teeth leaving the site of treatment
If you are looking for a dental clinic to get single or full dental implants, you can consider visiting our dentist at our clinic in Markham, ON.