Category Archives: Dental Implants

Everything you need to know about dental implants

Dental implant surgery is one of the surest
ways of restoring your perfect smile after an accident or just after the
natural loss of teeth. However, most people who need it tend to be hesitant
because they never know the outcome. You shouldn’t worry about the outcome
because, unlike dentures, dental implants have a more predictable outcome,
especially if done with the right team. We recommend you schedule an
appointment with a reputable Cosmetic
Dentist Essex
for assessment and to determine whether you are a candidate.
You’ll also need to trust your surgeon so that he/she can do a perfect job on
your dental formula. 

Everything you need to know about dental implants


While there might be several options for
teeth replacement, dental implants remain the best, and that is what most
cosmetic surgeons vouch for if you want something long-lasting and permanent.
Research and anecdotal accounts of candidates indicate that other methods such
as dentures can’t stop and prevent bone loss; hence they are prone to falling and
slipping. Moreover, other methods can also frustrate you, especially when they
compound your inability to chew properly and limit you from having free
conversations.

For beginners, there is still so much to
learn about, which include but not limited to, the following:
·       
What are
dental implants?
Dental implants, just like the name suggests,
are replacement teeth that mimic original teeth in many aspects ranging from
looks to functions. The doctor can either implant a fixed or removable implant
depending on your underlying health conditions and preferences. Dental implants
are mounted through a surgical procedure that may take between two and three
hours, but you’ll need up to six months to fully heal. Titanium metal is used
in the process because it can perfectly merge with the surrounding bone tissue
without any health complications. Titanium forms a protective layer of titanium
dioxide to prevent abrasion or reaction to water and food chemicals.

Dental implants are by far the best
alternative for people who don’t have underlying roots of building dentures and
often fit well than dental bridges.

·       
Who is the
right candidate?
Dental implants are ideal and applicable to
any individual with severe teeth loss, tooth decay, or even broken teeth. The
best thing about technology and modern labs is that patients with underlying
medical conditions and insufficient bone structures can also benefit from
implants, unlike before. Dental implant
technology
is gaining popularity in the mainstream, and you shouldn’t be
afraid to look for that perfect look. After all, you only get one life to
explore your insecurities. Why don’t you give it a shot?

·       
How do you
find the right clinic?
Finding the right clinic must be a priority
because the overall success of the procedure will depend on the type of clinic
and surgeon you choose. The best way of landing the right clinic is through
referrals and online reviews. Positive online reviews are like personal
recommendations and will often point you in the right direction.

·       
What are the
different types of dental implant materials?
There are two main types of dental implant
materials: titanium and zirconia, but the former is more prevalent since the
latter was invented recently. Titanium is made of metal and started to be used
as early as 1950. Most surgeons prefer titanium because it is generally
unreactive to water and chemicals and has a permanent high affinity for jaw
bones and muscles. Zirconia, on the other hand, was first invented in the 1990s
and is believed to be the future of dental implant materials though it isn’t
widely used. However, the first full Zirconia implant wasn’t witnessed until in
2003. The common thing that makes both materials viable is their biocompatibility,
meaning that they closely match the human body and fuse with bones.



·       
How long
does the procedure take?
Dental implant procedures occur in three main
stages, but the last one, the actual treatment takes up to three hours. The
first stage involves visiting the surgeon for a thorough analysis and
examination, which may include dental
X-rays
and 3D images. Remember, at no point will the doctor allow any error
because the procedure takes longer to heal. Most candidates start feeding on
light and soft meals three months into healing, but it isn’t until six months
that you can experience full healing. In the first session, the doctor will
also examine your jaw to determine whether they are strong enough to hold the
implants.

The second phase involves digging on your
medical history to determine whether antibiotics should be administered before
surgery to prevent any medical infection. Heart conditions and gum disease may
require that candidates be subjected to other treatments before the actual
implantation.

The last stage involves a tailored treatment
plan, and the actual surgery based on the number of teeth needed, the condition
of the remaining teeth and the state of the jaw bone. You’ll not feel any pain
during the process as your doctor will likely sedate you or administer general
anesthesia to make the place numb. After the dental implant placement, you’ll
heal then go back for an abutment and artificial teeth placements.

·       
Can implants
be whitened?
Lastly, you might also be interested in
knowing whether your implants can be whitened since they depict real, natural
teeth. Well, the truth is that it is impossible. If you want to have white
teeth, we recommend whitening the remaining ones before going for an implant.
The surgeon will craft implants that resemble your current teeth in all
aspects, for comfort and uniformity. In other words, you have the power to
choose how you want your implants to appear. It is also important to note that
with the right procedure and proper after-care, an implant should last as long
as you live. However, a reliable one shouldn’t last less than 20 years.

Don’t hesitate to get a dental implant if you
want to have your smile back. As you’ve seen, they are permanent and reliable.
Don’t you want to eat and speak normally like other people? Well, make the
right call, and you’ll not regret even a single bit about it.