The tooth is an essential component in your oral cavity, that plays a crucial role when you perform necessary activities such as chewing, talking, smiling, etc. If, for some reason, you lose a tooth either due to disease, physical injury, trauma, or any other risk factor, it may be difficult performing these necessary activities as there is an alteration in the standard structure of your oral cavity. However, the use of dental implants provides an effective solution to this issue. In this article, we will present the fundamentals of dental implants and what patients can expect before and after the procedure.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are small titanium or titanium alloy posts that replace the root of a missing tooth and supports a custom made crown.
A dental implant can help to prevent problems such as loss of jawbone, shifting teeth, plaque buildup, grinding and clenching, etc. due to missing teeth.
Durable and high-quality materials are used to create these artificial replacements which look, fit, and function like your natural teeth.
Dental implants can help to keep your facial and bone intact even as you look and function at your best.
Who is a candidate for dental implants?
To determine if you are a candidate for dental implants, proper examination and evaluation of your oral and overall health will be carried out.
Generally, dental implants may be right for you if:
- You do not have specific health issues that could complicate the implants such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, bone cancer, thyroid problems, or undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
- You are missing a single, multiple, or all of your teeth.
- You do not want to wear dentures.
- You have adequate jaw bone tissue to support the Implant.
- You do not smoke.
About the procedure:
A dental implant is a minimally-invasive procedure that provides a stable realistic-looking replacement for your missing teeth. This surgery is typically a three-step procedure that requires local anesthesia.
Each step involves a particular dental component comprising:
- The Implant: This is a metal rod buried into your jawbone and replaces the root of your tooth.
- The Abutment: which connects the Implant to the realistic-looking prosthetic tooth.
- The Synthetic tooth: which is custom made for your mouth and fitted into the Abutment.
What to expect before and after dental implants?
- Initial consultation and comprehensive dental exam: your dentist will examine your oral cavity and may also take dental X-rays and 3Dimages.
- Following proper examination of your oral health and medical history, your dentist will discuss available options and develop an effective treatment plan best suited for you.
- Before your surgery, your dentist will give you a set of instructions, which may include prescriptions and recommendations on the types of food you need post-operation.
- Dental implant placement: on the day of your surgery, you will be given local anesthesia to numb the site to prevent pain and little or no discomfort during the operation.
- Dental implant procedure will take days and sometimes months to complete. This is to allow for adequate healing after every stage of the operation.
What to expect after dental implants?
- Mild discomfort: after your surgery, you may experience mild discomfort with symptoms, including mild swelling of your gums and face, slight bleeding, and pain at the implant site. This can be managed with prescribed pain medications.
- Regular checkups with your dentist in Simi Valley will be scheduled to examine the health of your tissues and the proper functioning of implants.
If you want an effective treatment option that will provide a stable long-lasting and realistic-looking replacement for your missing tooth. Please call or contact us today. Our dental team in Simi Valley is happy to put a bright smile on your face.
Location: 4210 East Los Angeles Ave. Unit F Simi Valley, CA 93063
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