What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants provide a comfortable, long-term solution if you have missing or failing teeth or chronic dental issues.
Dental implants are advanced artificial tooth roots made up of three
parts–the implant, abutment, and crown (i.e., replacement tooth) that
serve as a permanent and secure base for prosthetic teeth.
Dental implants live beneath the gum, while the prosthetic tooth sits
on top. Because of this, they look, feel, and function just like
natural teeth, which is why they are considered the gold standard for
tooth replacement.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Optimal Performance
Dental implants behave like real teeth to restore full chewing power and performance.
Long-Lasting Solution
Since dental implants are biocompatible and integrate with the jawbone, they can last a lifetime with proper care.
Natural Appearance
Dental implants are designed to match the color of your surrounding teeth and fit perfectly in the gap.
Improved Facial Structure
Dental implants provide necessary facial and bone support, which helps to prevent bone loss.
Stabilizes Adjacent Teeth
Dental implants provide stability to prevent gaps from causing adjacent teeth to shift and become crooked.
High Success Rate
If you are a good candidate for dental implants, there is a high success rate and satisfaction.
Enhanced Speech Capabilities
Dental implants feel and function like real teeth, allowing you to talk easily and naturally.
Reduces the Risk of Cavities
Dental implants are not prone to decay, so you do not have to worry about cavities.
Elevated Confidence
Dental implants restore your smile, contributing to more confidence and a better quality of life.
Getting Started with Dental Implants
The first step to restoring your smile with dental implants is scheduling a consultation with the experienced doctors at Envision Dental Implant Center.
During your consultation, your doctor will learn more about your goals and medical history, set up a comprehensive dental exam, and build a personalized treatment plan. You may require a bone graft or tooth extraction based on your specific needs.
Additionally, your doctor will discuss what happens during your dental implant procedure. Generally, the surgery takes anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on how many dental implants you need. Your doctor will discuss local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia to determine which is best for you.
In preparation for your procedure, your doctor will provide preoperative and postoperative instructions, including whether or not you can eat or drink before the surgery. Ensure you follow these instructions for a smooth surgery and recovery.
How Are Dental Implants Placed and Restored?
At Envision Dental Implant Center, our doctors specialize in dental
implant placement and restoration. They use industry-leading surgical
techniques with high precision and skill to deliver outstanding
results.
The initial dental implant procedure involves making a small incision
in the gum to expose the jawbone. Then, your surgeon uses a
specially-designed tool to drill a hole into the bone, which creates
space for the implant. Next, they gently insert the implant screw into
the bone according to your treatment specifications. The gums are then
closed, and the healing process begins.
Once the dental implants have fully fused to the bone (a process
referred to as osseointegration), the restoration process can occur,
which involves opening the gum again and attaching the abutment. Once
your mouth has healed from this minor procedure, your surgeon will
secure the prosthetic tooth to the abutment, restoring your smile.
It’s important to note that dental implant and tooth restoration can
take several months, sometimes up to a year, ensuring enough time for
healing and the growth of new bone in your jaw.
Implant Placement – Your surgeon makes a small
incision in the gum to expose the jawbone and then drills a hole using a
special tool. Next, the dental implant is gently screwed into the
jawbone until it is secure.
Abutment Attachment – Once the dental implant has
optimally osseointegrated with the jawbone, your surgeon will reopen the
gum to expose the implant and attach the abutment.
Replacement Teeth – After securing the abutment to
the dental implant, your doctor places the replacement tooth onto the
abutment. The results are a complete, natural-looking smile you can
enjoy for a long time.
Post-Op and Recovery Timeline
To better prepare for your dental implant procedure at Envision
Dental Implant Center here is what you can expect regarding your
postoperative and recovery phase.
- Initial Consultation – The first step is an initial
consultation and full dental evaluation with your surgeon. They will
take images, evaluate your candidacy for dental implants, and build you a
personalized treatment plan.
- Oral Development – If necessary, your surgeon will
perform a tooth extraction or bone graft to prepare for successful
dental implantation. These preparation surgeries will be a part of your
treatment plan, and your doctor will discuss how this affects your
overall dental implant timeline.
- Implant Placement – Once your mouth is ready to
have dental implants placed, your surgeon will make a small incision in
your gum to surgically insert the dental implant into the jawbone. Your
surgeon will also add a healing cap during this time.
- Osseointegration – Once your doctor places the
dental implant, the next 3-6 months involve healing and
osseointegration. At this time, you’ll be temporarily placed on a soft
foods diet to foster optimal healing.
- Tooth Restoration – After your mouth has fully
healed and the dental implant has osseointegrated, your surgeon will
make another small incision in the gum, attach the final abutment, and
affix your prosthetic tooth to the implant. This phase is the last part
of the restoration process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Can I Eat While the Implants Heal?
Depending on how quickly your mouth heals, you will be on a soft foods diet for three to six months. This diet fosters optimal healing, as any pressure or excess strain on implants during the healing process can cause them to shift or heal crookedly, which may impact your final results.
For the first 24-48 hours after your dental implant placement, we recommend sticking to liquids or very soft foods, such as water, broth, fruit or vegetable juices, pureed soups, mashed potatoes, smoothies, pudding, applesauce, cottage cheese, or oatmeal.
During the first week after your procedure, your mouth will likely still feel tender and sore as the area continues to heal. At this point, you can add more soft foods to your diet, such as eggs, bananas, avocados, nut butters, yogurt, and cheese (in addition to the foods mentioned above). We still recommend eating and drinking lots of liquids, especially water, to stimulate ideal healing.
In the weeks following your procedure, slowly reintroduce more solid foods into your diet. Remember, to further your body’s healing capabilities, eat a balanced, nutrient-rich diet and focus on getting adequate amounts of protein, ample calcium, and lots of fruits and vegetables.
What are the Risks Associated with Dental Implant Surgery?
Similar to other surgeries, dental implant surgery poses some risks, including infection at the implant site, injury or damage to surrounding tissue and structures, nerve damage, and sinus problems.
While it is perfectly normal to be concerned about these risks, most patients do not experience severe or significant side effects following a dental implant procedure at our surgery center.
You can rest assured that our surgeons are highly skilled and know how to achieve outstanding results with dental implant surgery, while mitigating the risks associated with the procedure.
How Long Will the Implants Last?
Many factors determine the lifespan of dental implants, such as bone health and oral hygiene post-procedure. Generally, you can expect that your dental implants will last a very long time, though the longevity of dental implants varies from patient to patient.
Large-scale studies have reported that the long-term survival rates of dental implants are between 93.3% and 98%, indicating that they are an effective and reliable way to replace missing or damaged teeth.
