What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a replacement tooth that is implanted into your mouth. A screw is placed into the jaw upon which the tooth is adhered to. Unlike single or partial dentures, the tooth cannot be removed and is held firmly in place. This ensures the patient can eat and drink as they normally do while having a tooth that looks and feels as natural as possible.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
The biggest benefit of dental implants is that they look and feel natural. When people have single dentures or a bridge placed, they have to be careful about what they eat. For example, they may not be able to bite into a caramel apple without damaging or shifting the tooth. The tooth may require special care to help ensure it is clean and held in place. However, that is not an issue with dental implants. They are anchored into the jaw bone, ensuring they stay firmly in place. They are also long-lasting and the material they are composed of looks real and natural.
What To Expect When Being Evaluated for Dental Implants
Before a dental implant can be placed, a dental clinic will need to see if someone is a candidate for this procedure. They may need to take x-rays of teeth and the jaw bone. In some cases, individuals may need to have a jaw bone graft if there are concerns about the strength of the jaw bone in the area where the implant will be placed. Patients can expect a fairly routine dental visit, with the dentist taking x-rays and examining the teeth. A dentist may also ask about your medical history, as certain conditions, such as diabetes, can affect the recovery period and success rate of implants.
What to Expect When the Implants are Being Placed
Having implants placed is a process that can take some time. Once the jaw bone is ready, a metal post will be screwed into place. A patient will be given local or general anesthesia to ensure they do not feel pain. Once the metal post is screwed into the jaw bone, the jaw bone has to fully heal before the implant can adhere which can take weeks or months. A temporary tooth can be placed for cosmetic reasons if needed. Once the bone and gums around the post have healed, molds are taken of the patients’ mouth and a new tooth is made. The abutment, or post, where the tooth will be applied to the screw is placed and after the gums heal from that procedure, the tooth is then put into place.
Selecting the right Kitchener dentist to place dental implants is important. At Forest Hill Family Dental, Dr. Wang and Dr. Zhao are skilled and experienced at placing dental implants. Give them a call at our Kitchener, Ontario dental clinic today to schedule an appointment to either discuss or get fitted for a dental implant.