Introduction
Missing teeth can affect your speech, smile, and how you eat. There are several teeth replacement options, but dental implants are a long-lasting solution that looks and functions like your natural teeth. When you visit an implant restoration consultant, there will be an evaluation of your teeth and a discussion of a suitable treatment plan.
What Is a Dental Implant?
Dental implants are suitable for replacing missing teeth and improving your smile. A dentist will examine your teeth and discuss an appropriate treatment plan before scheduling you for surgery. Dental implants do not only replace missing teeth; they are ideal for maintaining bone structure and improving your bite.
What Happens Before a Dental Implant Placement?
You can visit a dentist in San Antonio, TX, to replace a missing tooth. Firstly, the dentist will examine your teeth thoroughly to determine if you are eligible for a dental implant procedure. Afterward, there will be a discussion on a suitable treatment plan and a scheduled appointment for the implant placement. However, you may need a bone augmentation procedure before getting implants.
What Is Implant Placement and Restoration
A dental implant procedure occurs in two stages; the placement and restoration stages. Dental implant placement is more complex than restoration. During implant placement, a dentist places the implants strategically beneath the gum in the area where there is a missing tooth. Dental implants placement is painless because you receive an anesthetic to make you comfortable and numb to the pain.
On the other hand, dental implants restoration occurs after the placement procedure. Once the jaw bone heals around the implants, you are eligible for restoration. The restoration stage takes about 4 to 6 months because the replacement tooth requires a sturdy foundation.
During the restoration, the dentist exposes the implants and places a connecting abutment on each implant. After the healing of the jaw, you get a dental bridge, crown, or denture on the abutment.
Dental Implant Aftercare
Although a dental implant procedure is painless, you will feel slight discomfort and swelling for few days. You can manage the pain and swelling by using an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen and using ice packs to reduce swelling. Also, use antibiotics to minimize the risk of infection.
Furthermore, avoid spicy foods and hot liquids for about 3 to 4 days and eat soft foods. Although, you may return to your regular diet after a week and avoid biting hard foods or items in the implant area until it is completely healed.
Oral hygiene is also essential. Follow the cleaning instructions from your dentist precisely. Other aftercare tips include avoiding strenuous activities and smoking for a minimum of two weeks.
Why Should You Get a Dental Implant?
There are several teeth replacement options, but dental implants are a long-term solution. Other benefits of dental implants are;
- It is durable. With proper maintenance, implants can last up to 15 years
- Dental implants have a natural look, and they are comfortable
- The procedure has a high success rate
- Dental implants maintain natural teeth tissue and restore the jawbone structure
- They restore bite. Dental implants allow you to chew food properly.
Where Can You Get Dental Implant Placement and Restoration
Are you looking to get a dental implant surgery near you? Fortunately, dentists in San Antonio, TX, are available to examine your teeth and develop an appropriate treatment plan. You can also get dental implants surgery near you when you use the internet to find a list of dentists in the 78209 area.
Conclusion
Dental implants are suitable for replacing your missing teeth and restoring your smile; they also fix your bite problems and enhance your speech. Although implants placement and restoration may take a while to complete, it is a long-term solution that not only looks like your natural teeth but also functions like it.