Have you recently lost a tooth and are looking for a reliable solution? A chipped tooth or gap in your smile can lead to poor self-image and a lack of confidence, affecting your day-to-day life.

Dental implants are a permanent solution to regaining your smile and confidence. Implants provide aesthetics without sacrificing the look and feel of a natural tooth. Since implants are exceptionally durable, they are an ideal long-term investment that provides additional benefits, such as mitigating other oral health issues that would otherwise arise from unaddressed spaces in your smile.

In this article, you will discover the benefits of a dental implant procedure, a step-by-step guide to the implant process, and how to know if this tooth loss solution is right for you.

What Are Dental Implants?

Implants are one of the most durable, lasting solutions to tooth loss. Depending on your needs, there are several distinct types of implants to choose from, including:

Single Tooth Implant

This is the most common type of implant. While some damaged or broken teeth can be fixed with a cap, extensive damage may warrant a tooth extraction. This occurs when the structure of the tooth isn’t durable enough to receive a crown.

Single-tooth implants are longer-lasting than crowns as well, making them a feasible permanent solution. During the implant procedure, the dentist will place a titanium post to replace the root of the tooth. A connector piece is then placed over the titanium root so that the crown can be attached.

Bridge Implants

If several teeth need to be extracted at once, or if there are several damaged teeth next to each other, bridge implants are a preferred option. A bridge provides the long-term durability of a single implant but doesn’t need as many titanium posts inserted.

Denture Implants

Denture implants are the preferred option for patients with four or more teeth missing. Similar to bridge implants, denture implants don’t require titanium posts for each tooth, but rather, up to four posts. These are more secure than traditional removable dentures, which rely solely on topical adhesion.

What are the Benefits of Implants and How Do They Promote Gum Health?

In addition to having the natural look and feel that’s indistinguishable from natural teeth, implants mitigate bone loss and maintain the shape of the jaw — in turn, serving as a support structure for surrounding teeth. With proper care, they are incredibly durable and can last for many years, giving you back an aesthetic smile without the worry of implant replacement.

Am I A Good Candidate for a Dental Implant Procedure?

If you’re dealing with a damaged or missing tooth, you may be thinking about implants as a viable option.

• Non-smokers
• Have healthy gums and strong bone density structure
• Diligent about keeping up with oral hygiene and aftercare

If you are unsure about whether or not you are a good candidate for implants, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation, and we will be happy to answer all of your questions.

What Can I Expect During the Implant Process?

Getting implants can seem daunting, but at Midlothian Family Dentistry, we strive to make each patient as comfortable as possible. Our experienced dentists manage implant procedures gently and carefully while offering various sedation options depending on your needs. Here is a step-by-step guide on what to expect during your implant procedure:

1. The Initial Consultation

After reviewing your medical history and providing a dental exam, we’ll discuss your needs and develop a personalized treatment plan.

2. Imaging & Screening

Next, we will use state-of-the-art imaging to check for bone density and gum health. This will help determine if a bone graft or gum treatment should be done before the surgical placement of the implant. Our iTero Element Scanner will give a 3D image of your teeth and gums. Unlike traditional impressions, the iTero Element Scanner is fully digital, so you won’t have to worry about tasting or gagging on alginate material.

3. Implant Insertion

This minor surgical procedure is typically done under local anesthesia. However, we’re committed to making your visit an anxiety-free one. That’s why we offer a variety of sedation options to suit your needs, including Nitrous Oxide, Oral Moderate Sedation (OMS), and general anesthesia.

During the implant insertion, the dentist will make a small incision in the gum. They will then place a titanium post into the jawbone. Titanium is safe and works naturally with your body, helping your jaw heal and stay strong.

4. Post-Surgical Healing

Once the implant is placed, it takes about 3 to 6 months to completely heal. This process is called osseointegration, where the titanium implant fuses directly with the bone tissue, creating a stable connection. This stage is key to the implant’s overall stability.

It’s normal to feel a little sore or swollen in the days following surgery, our team will guide you through a smooth recovery. We suggest eating soft foods and avoiding chewing around the implant for the first few days. Gradually, you will be able to reintroduce normal eating habits. Since this stage is critical, it is important to attend all follow-up appointments to monitor progress.

5. Abutment Placement

Once the osseointegration healing process is finished, we will place a small connector piece onto the titanium. During this process, the healing cap over the implant is removed, and the abutment is expertly positioned to securely connect your new tooth to the implant. The abutment placement provides a firm attachment location and foundation for the crown, bridge, or denture.

6. Final Crown Placement

The restoration placement is the final step in the implant treatment plan. This is when a custom-made restoration crown is placed onto the abutment. The crown is designed to look and feel just as natural as the surrounding teeth.

7. Implant Recovery

Aftercare makes a dramatic difference in how long your implant will last. We suggest treating it as any other tooth throughout the implant recovery process.

• Keep up with daily brushing and flossing habits.
• Schedule regular cleanings and dental checkups.

This ensures that not only will your implant retain its durability, but also that the gum tissue surrounding it stays healthy.

A Permanent Tooth Loss solution

Implants are an excellent lasting investment in reclaiming your smile, confidence, and self-image. At Midlothian Family Dentistry, we care about your comfort and want you to be as familiar as possible with the process before beginning your implant journey.

Give yourself the peace of mind to carry out your lifestyle with a confident, aesthetic smile that will last for decades. If you have any questions about tooth implants or are ready to take the first step to restoring your smile, let’s talk about whether implants are the right step for you, schedule a consultation today.[EH4] . You can trust that Midlothian Family Dentistry will stand by your side throughout the entire process.

FAQs

How Long Do Tooth Implants Last?

Tooth implants are known to be one of the most permanent and stable methods of smile restoration. While the average lifespan of an implant is between 15 and 20 years, it depends on various factors. Jawbone density and quality, oral hygiene, and lifestyle habits can all affect how long an implant can last. Aftercare and maintenance are crucial to extending your implant life.

What is the Recovery Time for Implants?

After the titanium post is placed into your jawbone, osseointegration can take 3-6 months to fully heal, sometimes longer. However, most patients begin to feel back to normal within 1-2 weeks. Several factors can affect the healing process, such as the number of implants, overall patient health, and whether bone grafting is needed.

Does the Surgery and Implant Recovery Process Hurt?

The implant surgery typically doesn’t hurt since it’s performed under anesthesia. At Midlothian Family Dentistry, we specialize in sedation dentistry, offering a variety of sedation options to suit individual needs so that your implant surgery is painless and worry-free.

Following the procedure, you may feel some mild to moderate pain or swelling. Our experienced dentists will advise an aftercare regimen to minimize any discomfort. Depending on your pain level, your dentist may prescribe pain medications, suggest over-the-counter pain medications, and ice the area.

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