Of all the dental restorative procedures out there, dental implants are the most lost-lasting and closest alternative to natural teeth. They perfectly mimic the natural structure of teeth and, once completed, look, feel, and function as closely as possible to natural teeth. Many people who face difficulties with restorative procedures such as dentures and bridges experience comfort and success with dental implants performed by our dentist in NW Calgary. If you have missing teeth or teeth that have been damaged or decayed beyond repair, you may be a candidate for dental implants.
Read this brief yet comprehensive article to understand what a dental implant is, the different types of dental implants, the steps to receiving dental implant surgery, its healing process and aftercare; before you obtain your dental implants in NW Calgary.
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant or a fixture is a special surgical component such as a metal post or a frame inserted into your jawbone. It is an anchor for replacement teeth such as a crown, bridge, or prosthetic component. Modern dental implants placed at a dental clinic near you are made from titanium or titanium alloys that develop an intimate bond with your bone in “osseointegration”.
Types of Dental Implants
Learning about different types of dental implants will prevent you from feeling overwhelmed when your dentist explains your options to you. There are 3 main types of dental implants:
- Endosteal implants
- Subperiosteal implants
- Zygomatic implants
Endosteal implants are the most common and widely used type of implant. They last long and work quite similarly to natural teeth. The only restriction is that they require a strong and healthy jawbone. They take some time to heal, and some patients avoid them since inserting the implant into the jawbone is a relatively intensive oral surgery.
Subperiosteal implants are the most successful alternative to Endosteal implants. In this procedure, the metal frame-like implant rests on top of the jawbone under the layer of gum instead of being inserted into it. Zygomatic implants are rare and used for patients with highly damaged or non-existing jawbones. This type places the implant in the cheekbone rather than the jawbone.
The Process of Obtaining a Dental Implant
The time it takes to complete the dental implant surgery differs according to the individual’s dental health and the number of implants inserted. After you reach out to a dentist to receive dental implants near you, they will instruct you on pre-operative practices such as rinsing your mouth with anti-bacterial mouthwash and also taking prescribed antibiotics before the surgery as a preventive measure.
The first phase of the surgery includes placing the implant in your jawbone after administering a local anesthetic using a specialized drill. Then, the implant can securely attach to the jawbone over several months. During the second phase, an impression will be taken to fabricate a customized crown. The final step is the placement of the new crown securely on the implant.
Healing time and aftercare
It is natural to feel discomfort after the surgery, including swelling, bruising, pain at the surgery site, and minor bleeding. Your dentist will prescribe antibiotics and pain medications, and they should be taken as instructed to accelerate your healing process. Only eat soft foods until your surgery site heals completely. Continue to use anti-bacterial mouthwash after the initial stages of healing to avoid any bacterial infections.
