Your Ultimate Guide on How Do Dental Implants Work

If you have missing teeth, dental implants are one of the most advanced and effective solutions available today to help you regain your smile and confidence. But how do dental implants work, and are they the right choice for you?

This article explains all you need to know, whether you’re looking for tooth replacement choices or are just curious about the procedure.

We’ll guide you through every stage, from learning what dental implants are to learning their advantages and possible disadvantages so you can make an informed decision about your dental health.

So, if you’re considering getting dental implants, then you’re in the right place.

What are Dental Implants?

Through dental implant surgery, damaged or missing teeth are replaced with artificial teeth that function and look a lot like natural ones, and tooth roots are replaced with metal, screw-like posts.

In cases when bridgework or dentures do not fit well, dental implant surgery may be a useful option, especially when there are insufficient natural tooth roots to support dentures or bridgework.

Dental implant surgery is performed according to the type of implant used and the state of the jawbone, and there may be many procedures included in this treatment.

The main advantage of implants is that they give the new teeth strong support, which requires that the bone heals closely around the implant, which means that the procedure might take several months because bone repair takes time.

Who Are The Candidates For Dental Implants?

A dental implant might be an option to think about if you have one or more missing teeth. Not everyone is eligible for a dental implant. Your dentist or other dental professional must verify that:

• Your jawbone is in good condition.

• Your gums are healthy.

• You have sufficient bone to support the implant.

• You don’t have any medical conditions such as diabetes.

• You’re not taking any medications that can interfere with the procedure.

How Do Dental Implants Work?

Now, to answer the question of how do dental implants work, we’ll walk you through the technique by explaining the steps in simple detail.

Typically, a dental implant treatment is performed over several months in stages. First, you will need scans and x-rays to help your dentist determine where to place the implant.

In a simple procedure, your dentist will insert the dental implant into your jawbone, and to make the procedure painless, they will provide a local anesthetic.

Your bone develops around the implant and fuses together over three months or more, helping to keep it in place.

Your crown, or prosthetic tooth, is created in a lab while the implant site heals, and then the crown is attached to the metal implant to close the gap in your teeth. Dental bridges and dentures can also be supported by dental implants.

Are Dental Implants Painful?

When you understand how do dental implants work, you’ll know that the procedure itself isn’t painful. This is because the dentist numbs the area in question with a local anesthetic.

However, once the effect of the anesthetic wears off, you might feel some discomfort in your mouth, but nothing that can’t be fixed with over-the-counter painkillers.

Most patients report that the pain is manageable and goes away within a week or two at most, so if the pain persists after two weeks, you’ll need to contact your doctor.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

Dental implants are supposed to last a lifetime, however, the crowns or prosthetic teeth can last up to 20 years with proper care before needing any replacements.

You can extend the life of your dental implants and the remaining natural teeth by:

• Make sure your gums and teeth are clean: Maintain the cleanliness of your gums, implants, and artificial teeth just like you would with your natural teeth. The nooks and crannies surrounding teeth, gums, and metal posts can be cleaned with the use of a properly made brush, such as an interdental brush that slips between teeth.

• See your dentist regularly: Make an appointment for dental examinations to ensure the health and functionality of your implants.

• Steer clear of bad behaviors: Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice and hard candies since they might shatter your natural teeth or crowns. Avoid using tobacco and caffeine products that might discolor your teeth.

What Are The Benefits of Dental Implants?

• Restores the ability to chew

• Restores visual appeal.

• Prevents bone loss that causes the jawbone to shrink.

• Maintains the surrounding bone and gums healthy.

• Helps maintain the stability of neighboring teeth.

• Enhances the quality of life.

What Are The Disadvantages of Dental Implants?

• Damage to nearby natural teeth during placing an implant

• Poor performance, such as the sensation that your teeth don’t bite together properly

• An abutment screw loosening might cause the tooth to feel loose or twist in position.

• Numbness following surgery brought on by nerve injury or inflammation

• Implant body failure:

  • Related to systemic infection may be more common in people with uncontrolled diabetes

  • From local infections in the bone and gums that support the implant body.

  • Occurs because of delayed healing, which may be more common in smokers.

Read More: Are Dental Implants Painful.

Conclusion

Dental implants have completely changed the way we replace missing teeth, offering a long-lasting, natural-looking solution for those who are missing teeth.

As you’ve seen throughout this article, understanding how do dental implants work can help ease any concerns and let you make the right choice for your oral health.

Every stage, from the first consultation to the last crown placement, is carefully planned to restore confidence, function, and look.

While there are both benefits and drawbacks to consider, dental implants remain a highly effective and reliable option.

To find out if implants are the perfect choice for you, speak with one of our dentists at Davinci Dental Clinic Today!

Read More: Affordable Dental Implants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are dental implants screwed or glued?

The dental implant itself is essentially fused to the jawbone. However, there are two possible methods for connecting the crown to the dental implant: cement retention or screw retention. The goal is for the implant and crown components to fit precisely.

Why not replace teeth with implants?

Dental implants are not a good option if you grind your teeth often or unconsciously, have uncontrolled diabetes, gum disease, or need jaw radiation after being diagnosed with cancer. To guarantee the best possible outcome for implant repair, these issues need to be addressed or managed first.

How long do you go without teeth when getting implants?

Depending on the conditions and the use of temporary solutions, there may be an initial period without teeth, usually lasting a few days to weeks. Additionally, during the post-operative surgery phase or the healing phase, which can last from four to six months, you won’t have teeth to let the jawbone fuse with the implant completely.