Dental Implants
For people experiencing difficulties because of missing teeth, dental implants are a great solution. These artificial roots looking like a screw, usually made of titanium, provide a secure base for replacement teeth.
Dental implants are gowing in popularity among patients who suffer with severe and chronic dental problems because they are an excellent, long-term solution that can make your teeth look and feel healthy again. This is because implants look and work like natural teeth. The titanium fixture that the implants are grounded in actually fuses to the bones in the jaw which makes them incredibly secure to provide worry-free eating and smiling.
According to a 2021 Healthline article, dental implants are made to and often do last a lifetime. However, the crown attached to it may need to be replaced after 15-20 years.
Dental implants can replace single teeth or multiple teeth, so you may be a candidate, even if you only need one tooth replaced. They are also a good option for those who would regularly get a bridge.
However, if you are not in good health, have periodontal disease, or don’t have enough bone mass in your jaw to support the implants, they may not be for you. If your jawbone is insufficient, you may be able to have a procedure called a bone graft in order to build up the bone and move forward with the implants in the future. Of course, Dr. Talley has experience and can determine if implants are the right fit for you, so discuss with her these options.
The process is a little more involved than other dental procedures, because dental implants require surgery. Therefore, the process begins with an evaluation of your overall health. You will have a detailed dental exam and review of your medical history and records. You may be required to see one or more specialists, like a periodontist, oral surgeon, and/or a prosthodontist to prepare the best treatment plan.
Jamie C. Talley, DDS will then talk with you about your options for anesthesia and help you determine the best one for you. The whole process will typically involve several procedures over time: removing damaged teeth, placing the implant(s), bone growth and healing, placing the abutment, and placing the crown (artificial tooth).
HOW LONG IS THE WHOLE PROCESS?
Your treatment team will plan time between procedures for recovery and healing for your jawbone. Depending on your needs and the amount of work being done, the whole process can often take months, especially if you require bone grafting in order to receive the implant(s).
While this may seem like a long process, the end reuslt is worth it all because you get natural looking teeth that are strong and last a long time.
Depending on what type of anesthesia you choose, you may need someone to drive you home after your procedures. You may experience some swelling of your gums, bruising, minor bleeding, or pain at the site of the implant(s). If any of these problems worsen after the day of your surgery, contact our dental office in Edmond, OK.
You may require pain medication or antibiotics to prevent infection after your surgery. Dr. Jamie Talley may also instruct you to eat soft foods for a time afterwards as you heal. We often use stitches that dissolve after a time.
Although most dental implant surgeries are successful, there are a few things you can do to help ensure that success: continue practicing excellent oral hygiene, be consistent with follow up appointments, and avoid chewing on hard things or using tobacco products.
