DENTAL IMPLANTS NEAR YOU
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made from titanium that are placed into the jawbone to act as an anchor for a dental prosthesis. They can be used for one or more missing teeth and are able to support a crown, bridge, or denture. Implants vary from other tooth replacement options because they preserve bone mass in the jaw by stimulating the bone. They are also extremely strong since the surrounding bone fuses the implant in place. For these reasons, many dentists recommend dental implants for replacing missing teeth.
Did You Know?
The first artificial teeth implants were seen in Ancient Egyptian and Mayan cultures. However, modern dental implants were not developed until around the 1950s. Since then, dental implant technology has continued to improve.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Am I a candidate for dental implants?
You may be a candidate for dental implants if you have one or more missing teeth, but are in otherwise good health. Additionally your gums will need to be in good condition and you must have adequate bone mass in your jaws. In order to determine if you are an ideal candidate for dental implants, schedule a consultation with your Kamloops implant dentist so they can evaluate you.
What can I expect when having dental implants placed at my Kamloops dental office?
First and foremost, it is important to realize that having dental implants placed is a process that can take about 6-9 months. However, many people find it to be well worth it because implants have been found to last for up to 20 years.
The dental implant process begins with an oral surgery to place the implant screw. During the placement, a small incision will be made in the gums to access the jawbone. The tooth socket will then be shaped to accommodate the implant, then the implant screw will be placed. A small metal connector piece called an abutment will be screwed into the implant. In some cases, bone graft material may be placed around this area to promote the formation of new bone. The gums will then be suture up around the abutment, which will stick out from above the gums.
The implant will then be left in place for about 3-6 months to heal. In some cases, it can take as long as 6-9 months As it heals, it will undergo a process called osseointegration. This simply means that the implant will fuse with the surrounding bone. Only after this fusion takes place will an implant be considered successful.
At this point, the next step of the process can be completed. A dental impression or oral scan will be taken of your mouth so the dental prosthesis can be fabricated. The permanent restoration will then be tried for fit before being cemented to the abutment.
What can I expect after having dental implants placed?
After having dental implants placed, your implant dentist will provide you with post-operative guidelines to follow. These guidelines will include specific information on managing post-op pain and swelling, how to keep the treatment site clean, and what to eat while you recover. Your dentist will also schedule follow up appointments so they can monitor your progress. Once your permanent dental crown has been placed, you will be able to return to your normal diet.
