The Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants are the most effective and permanent solution to replace missing teeth. Implants offer a long-term replacement for your natural tooth, and can also be used to support crowns, bridges or dentures.
They are strong, stable and look very natural. They are also very affordable.
A dental implant is a titanium post that your Sarasota dentist places into the jawbone. The metal post allows the bone to grow into and connect with it, forming a strong foundation for your new artificial tooth.
The process by which your jawbone grows into the implant, called osseointegration, can take several months, so you may need to come back for follow-up visits with your dentist. After the procedure, your gums may swell and you’ll likely experience some bleeding and bruising. Your dentist will give you specific instructions about how to care for your new tooth or teeth, and they can help you understand what is happening during the healing process.
Your dentist will evaluate whether you’re a good candidate for implants or not, and if they are, what kind of dental implants would be best for your particular situation. This is a critical step in your treatment plan.
In most cases, your dentist will recommend a bone graft to build up the amount of jawbone needed to place an implant. Bone grafts can be taken from another area of your body (for example, the back of your upper jaw) or surgically placed directly into the jaw bone to increase its height.
You’ll need to have enough bone in your jaw to support the implant, and the X-rays we take will determine if you need a graft. The surgeon will then create a template to ensure the graft is placed properly and securely.
Once the bone is healthy and stable, a small connector post (called an abutment) will be attached to the implant to securely hold your new artificial tooth or teeth. A crown or a bridge will then be placed on top of the abutment to complete your new smile.
The procedure will involve a local anesthetic to numb your mouth. If you are nervous about the procedure or it is a complex one, your dentist may also prescribe sedation or general anesthesia.
After the procedure, your Sarasota dentist will remove the sutures and check that your new tooth or teeth are fully healed. Your gums and face will be swollen, and you may have some mild bleeding or bruising. You will need to limit your food intake and avoid spicy or hard foods for a few days.
In most cases, the recovery period from a dental implant is minimal. You’ll want to return for follow-up visits with your dentist for a checkup and cleaning. Your Sarasota dentist will advise you on how to care for your new tooth or teeth, including brushing and flossing.