Learning to Manage Your Dental Problems

Understanding The Implant Procedure And The Benefits You Will Gain

3 December 2014 by Charlotte Beck

Dental implants can be used to replace missing teeth in your mouth. They are placed surgically and are an alternative to having dentures. There are several benefits in having dental implants over dentures. You may have some questions about how the procedure is performed and what to expect afterwards. Here are some of the benefits you can enjoy by having the procedure done.

What Happens During An Implant Surgery?

Having implants placed will be done in a surgical setting. You will need a general anesthesia before having the surgery. Your dental surgeon will place small metal rods under the gum line. These will be attached to the bone above your gums, and will be embedded in place so that the bone will grow around them when healing. The other end of the rod will protrude from your gum, sticking out into the area where your missing tooth had been located. 

This procedure is usually done for someone who has several missing teeth. You will need to have a strong bone structure in order for the rods to be placed properly, so someone who had periodontal disease might not be a candidate for this procedure.  After the metal rods are placed, the gums will need to heal before teeth will be able to be attached.

After The Procedure

You will need to pick out your new teeth to be attached to the implants. Your doctor will be able to show you computer models of your existing smile and computer models of what you will look like after teeth are attached. You will need to pick the color, size and shape of each tooth, so each model may look slightly different depending on what you pick. When you decide on your new look, your dentist will send the models out to be created. The teeth will be shipped to your dentist and they can be screwed onto the rods or they can be fused to them permanently.

What Are The Benefits?

There are many benefits in having this procedure done. You will have a  higher self-esteem when you are no longer missing teeth. The look will be realistic and not noticeable. The teeth can be cared for the same way as your regular teeth, using regular brushing and dental floss procedures. You will not need to worry about the discomfort that you would have with dentures. You can eat what you wish, without restriction. You will not need to remove your teeth to eat or clean them. 

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