If you need teeth extracted, you will likely be presented with several options for replacement. Whether it be dentures, dental bridges, or dental implants, all restoration options come with their pros and cons. Our team at Riverside Dental has put together this article to help you learn everything you need to know about dental implants in Red Deer.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is essentially an artificial tooth root made out of biocompatible metal. The implant is inserted into the jawbone to replace the root of a natural tooth, and a false tooth is attached to the implant. Since dental implants integrate into your jawbone, they provide strong and stable support for your false tooth.
Who is Eligible for Dental Implants?
If you are considering getting dental implants near you, speak to your dentist in Red Deer about if you are a viable candidate. To get dental implants, you must have healthy gums and a fully grown jawbone with enough bone structure to secure the implant. Whether you are eligible for dental implants is determined on a case-by-case basis, and each patient will have variations in their oral health and bone structure, which is why it is so important to speak to your dentist about if you are a candidate.
Dental Implants vs. Dental Bridges
While dental bridges and dental implants both work to replace missing teeth, they have some distinct differences. Dental implants are used to replace a single missing tooth, while dental bridges replace multiple missing teeth. Usually, dental bridges are held in place using healthy surrounding teeth, and if anything happens to these teeth, the dental bridge will have to be removed. While dental bridges typically last five to ten years, dental implants last an entire lifetime.
What is the Dental Implant Procedure Like?
Getting dental implants requires several visits to a dentist near you. Here is a breakdown of the process:
#1 Diagnosis: your dentist will examine your mouth to determine whether or not you are a good candidate for implants.
#2 Pre-op: before your operation, you will be given a sedative, so you’re feeling comfortable and pain-free.
#3 Procedure: your dentist will create a hole in your gum tissue and drill a small hole into your jawbone in which the screw will be placed. Once the screw is placed, the gum tissue will be sutured together, and you will be given several months to heal and for the implant to bond to your jawbone.
#4 Attaching the false tooth: When you have healed, your dentist will place an artificial tooth on the screw.
After the Procedure
Dental implants are very secure once placed and don’t require any special care. However, you must look after your dental implants in the same way you look after your natural teeth. This means brushing your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes and flossing once a day. It would be best if you also visited Riverside Dental twice a year for a professional dental cleaning and checkup.
Interested in Dental Implants?
After learning all about dental implants, you may feel that this procedure is the best option for your tooth replacement needs. At Riverside Dental, we are happy to offer dental implants to our patients. Our team of dedicated dental professionals is happy to walk you through each step of the procedure so that you can feel comfortable that you are getting the high-quality treatment you need. Please contact our clinic today to book a consultation for dental implants.