Dental implants are one of the most reliable and effective tooth restoration procedures you can get. However, the idea that it’s painful and results in swelling forces many people to shy away from it. But should that worry you when going for dental implant placement and restoration in San Antonio, TX?
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are devices made from metal that is fitted to the jawbone tissue for support. They have attachments called abutments that enable them to connect with other dental prostheses like dental crowns.
Types of Dental Implants
Endosteal Implants: These are the most common type of implants. They are available in 3 shapes variations and function as placeholders. Your dentist will recommend this type of dental implant only after the findings from the checkup prove that your jawbones are strong and healthy enough to support Endosteal implants.
Subperiosteal Implants: They come in second in a list of the most common types of dental implants. They are a popular alternative to Endosteal implants. But unlike the latter, they rest on the jawbones and are recommended for patients with jawbones not strong enough to qualify for Endosteal implants.
Zygomatic Implants: Since they are harder to fit, zygomatic implants are the least common. Dentists rarely recommend it for their patients but may consider it if a patient’s jawbone is very weak for Endosteal and Subperiosteal implants.
What Is the Procedure for Dental Implant Placement?
A mandatory checkup is crucial before we can undertake any dental operation. Therefore, we will require you to let us inspect your mouth to see which dental implants will best suit your dental needs. The inspection will be thorough and may involve us taking 3d images and x-rays of your mouth to get as much information about your dental health as possible.
After we are done with the checkup and find no reason not to proceed with treatment, we’ll start by removing any damaged tooth to prepare you for implant placement. Depending on the state of your jawbone, we may recommend you first undergo a bone graft and return for implant fitting after you’ve fully healed.
If your jawbones are strong enough, we will move to the second step, which is fitting you with implants. In this case, we’ll use Endosteal implants as an example since they are the most popular. Then, using a special drill, we’ll make a hole in your jawbone to insert the implant’s titanium post. Finally, we’ll end the procedure by placing a healing cap on it and closing the wound by stitching it up.
How Long Does It Take for Implant Placement to Heal?
The healing period is the most crucial stage since it’s when implants fuse with the jawbone tissue. After surgery, the anesthetic will start wearing off. As a result, you may experience common side effects of dental implant surgery, such as pain, swelling, and a bit of bleeding. However, the side effects will wear off with time as your wound heals.
The recovery period may also vary. If you don’t get a full mouth dental implant and bone graft, your wound should fully heal in six to eight months. We recommend following your dentist’s instructions to avoid any complications during recovery.
Benefits of Getting Dental Implants
Prevents Loss of Jawbone Tissue
Lack of jawbone stimulation due to tooth loss can cause bone loss. Since the jawbone is also responsible for preserving your facial features, its weakening may cause your face to sag, making you look older than your actual age. Dental implants can prevent bone loss by stimulating gums to release nutrients to nourish jawbone tissue.
Improves Your Smile
Losing a tooth can lead to a loss of confidence. You may spend most of your time thinking everyone you meet notices your dental imperfections instead of interacting with others. Through dental implant placement and restoration in San Antonio, TX, you can get natural-looking artificial teeth that will improve your smile.
Increases the Functionality of Teeth
For many people, the first solution that comes to mind after losing a tooth, especially a molar, is using the other side of the mouth with all teeth to do most of the chewing. Unfortunately, constantly chewing food with one side causes teeth to wear fast and become less effective. Dental implants are as strong as natural teeth, enough to handle constant chewing pressure, and durable.
Conclusion
Dental implants are a reliable and long-lasting tooth replacement option. You also don’t need to worry about mild pain and swelling during recovery; we’ll give you painkillers to ease the pain and instructions on how to reduce the swelling. Visit Terrell Hills Dental today to get the best dental implants in San Antonio, TX. We have a highly skilled and experienced dentist who can carry out any dental procedure effectively and at affordable rates.